Today, on February 19, a seminar was held in Bishkek to discuss the current stage of the Kambarata HPP-1 project. The event brought together representatives from Kyrgyzstan, delegations from Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, experts from the World Bank, executives of the Swiss engineering and consulting company AFRY, and international specialists.

"The main goal of today's meeting is to assess the current state of the Kambarata HPP-1 project, including the feasibility study, as well as the environmental and social impact assessment," said Minister of Energy Talaibek Ibraev in his opening remarks.

During the event, AFRY, which was selected through a competitive process in early 2024 to update the project's feasibility study (FS), presented its interim findings.

Specifically, participants were shown seismic assessments, hydrological studies, and key technical elements and design solutions aimed at ensuring the efficiency, sustainability, and safety of the future hydropower plant.

The international company SMEC, responsible for assessing the project's environmental and social impact, presented a report on its preliminary studies. Experts examined the potential scope of the project's impact, including its effects on local communities. The organization also announced plans for environmental research in the spring of 2025 and outlined key steps needed to complete the assessment.

The next stages of preparation for the Kambarata HPP-1 project include finalizing the feasibility study, conducting a second round of stakeholder consultations at the local and national levels in Kyrgyzstan, as well as similar consultations in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. Based on the feedback and comments received, an improved version of the environmental and social impact assessment will be developed.

The seminar marked a significant milestone in the development of a project that aims to serve as an example of an environmentally, socially, technically, and financially sustainable energy solution. The World Bank is funding the comprehensive preparation of the project, including the updated feasibility study and environmental and social impact assessments.

The Kambarata HPP-1 project is positioned as a transformative step in the development of green, clean energy in Central Asia. Its implementation will enhance Kyrgyzstan's energy security, contribute to sustainable development, and strengthen regional cooperation.