The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors on July 11 approved $13.6 million in additional financing to supplement the ongoing $5 million Technical Assistance for Kambarata-1 Hydropower Plant (HPP) Project for the Kyrgyz Republic. The project aims to support the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic in the preparation of the Kambarata-1 Hydropower Plant (HPP) project in a manner that is environmentally, technically, financially, and commercially sustainable.
Kambarata-1 HPP Project is a transformational regional project aimed at increasing affordable energy supply, enhancing the energy-water management and clean energy transition in the Kyrgyz Republic and across Central Asia. It is expected to generate an average of 5,600 gigawatt hours per year—almost half the Kyrgyz Republic’s current output—and reduce annual carbon emissions by 5 million tons. The project also has broader development objectives across Central Asia region, including expanding electricity trade, decarbonizing energy grids, facilitating solar and wind integration, while better meeting water needs in downstream countries of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.
“The World Bank is assisting the Kyrgyz Republic in developing its vast clean energy potential, which would be key to realizing the country’s and region’s bold initiatives on clean energy transition and enhanced regional cooperation on energy and water. World Bank support will help the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic to comprehensively prepare the Kambarata-1 HPP Project in a sustainable and bankable way,” said Hugh Riddell, World Bank’s Country Manager for the Kyrgyz Republic.
The ongoing Technical Assistance for Kambarata-1 Hydropower Plant (HPP) Project for the Kyrgyz Republic has made significant progress since its approval in the fall of 2023. This includes the commencement of the project feasibility update, preparation of environmental and social documents, as well as the establishment of a Donor Coordination Committee during the International Energy Investment Forum held in Vienna in June 2024. The additional financing is needed to ensure comprehensive and in-depth implementation of several critical activities. These include establishing dam safety and environmental and social panels of experts, designing a benefit-sharing plan, structuring the project financing plan and commercial framework, establishing a project company, and other essential activities.
This additional financing is provided on highly concessional terms through the International Development Association (IDA). It comprises an $11 million zero-interest credit, with repayments eased over 50 years and a 10-year grace period, as well as a $2.6 million grant, which requires no repayment, from the Central Asia Water and Energy Program (CAWEP). The CAWEP is a multi-donor partnership between the World Bank, the European Union, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom, aimed at strengthening regional cooperation on water and energy security in Central Asia under a changing climate.
