VIENNA, June 10, 2024—The Government of the Kyrgyz Republic, with support from the World Bank Group and co-hosted by the Government of Austria, convened high-level delegations from Central Asia, Europe, the Middle East, international financial institutions, and private investors to discuss the future of energy in Central Asia at the Kyrgyz Republic International Energy Investment Forum in Vienna.
The Forum gathered over 200 delegates to showcase the Kyrgyz Republic's progress in energy sector reforms, explore investment opportunities, and emphasize the region's potential for a clean energy transition. The Government presented 12 investments amounting to $16 billion, focusing on hydropower and solar initiatives aimed at expanding and diversifying power generation.
“This Forum is of historic significance not only for the Kyrgyz Republic but for the entire Central Asia region – especially given its focus on the development of the Kambarata-1 hydropower plant, which is poised to become a game-changer for the region,” said Akylbek Zhaparov, Prime Minister of the Kyrgyz Republic. “The Forum represents an important step towards sustainable development and a bright start on the path to a green and prosperous world.”
“Reliable energy access is central to the growth and development of not only the Kyrgyz Republic but the entire Central Asia region. We are proud to help unite this region and our key partners around a common goal: ensuring that every Central Asian household can switch on lights—powered by sun, wind, or water—while safeguarding our planet for future generations,” said Antonella Bassani, World Bank’s Vice President for Europe and Central Asia.
A key focus was the Kambarata-1 hydropower project. Supported by cooperation among Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan, this initiative aims to transform Central Asia’s energy and water sectors. The project will enhance regional cooperation ensuring energy security and green transition while improving water supply across seasonal variations. This will bolster irrigation, water supply, and food security across the region.
The Forum inaugurated the Kambarata-1 HPP Donor Coordination Committee comprising major international financial institutions and development partners. Participants agreed that this Committee will establish an effective multilateral platform providing holistic support for developing Kambarata-1 HPP within a sustainable macro-economic framework.
Additionally, representatives from Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan announced signing an inter-ministerial agreement on joint development of Kambarata-1 HPP—a significant step towards greater regional cooperation.
The event was supported by CAWEP (Central Asia Water and Energy Program), administered by World Bank with funding from European Union, Switzerland, United Kingdom; along with ESMAP (Energy Sector Management Assistance Program).