As part of his working visit to the Osh region, Adilbek Kasymaliev, Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Head of the Administration of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic, participated in a capsule-laying ceremony marking the start of construction for several energy infrastructure projects in Kara-Suu district.
Kasymaliev officially launched the building of four small hydroelectric power plants — Kurshab-1, Kurshab-2, Kurshab-3, and Kurshab-4 — located in the Yntymak rural district. With a combined capacity of 9 megawatts (MW), these plants are being developed by MGM-Group. In addition, construction began on a new distribution substation and a modern concrete plant to support the region’s infrastructure needs.
In his remarks, Kasymaliev highlighted the current challenges in Kyrgyzstan’s energy sector. While the country’s electricity demand reaches 18bn kilowatt-hours (kWh), domestic production only covers 14.7bn kWh, with the remaining 3.6bn kWh supplied through imports. To address this gap, Kyrgyzstan is actively investing in upgrading existing hydroelectric plants and developing new renewable energy sources.
“Small hydroelectric power plants are an environmentally friendly and sustainable source of energy,” Kasymaliev said.
He noted recent completed repairs on the At-Bashinskaya HPP and units at the Toktogul and Kambar-Ata hydro plants, as well as ongoing modernization at the Uch-Kurgan HPP. About 50 small hydroelectric plants have been commissioned across the country. Construction of the large-scale Kambar-Ata HPP-1, with a capacity of 1,860 MW, is underway with signed agreements in place.
“This project will bring us energy independence and enable electricity exports,” he added.
Kasymaliev also emphasized the significance of constructing a concrete plant on site, citing modern building technologies such as continuous pouring that enable faster construction. Having a dedicated concrete production facility reduces transportation losses and supports efficiency.
The total investment for the small hydro plants and substations is estimated at KGS 870mn ($9.9mn), financed by private investors. The concrete plant’s construction cost is approximately KGS 70mn ($800,457), also privately funded.
Following the energy project launch, Kasymaliev took part in the capsule-laying ceremony for a new battery production plant in Otuz-Adyr rural district, Kara-Suu region. This plant will produce batteries, solar-powered lanterns, and low- and high-voltage electrical cables.
“Industrial enterprises introduce new technologies, attract investments, expand export potential, and, most importantly, create jobs for local residents,” Kasymaliev said. “Battery production is the ‘heart’ of modern technology. With the global vehicle market growing rapidly, opening such an enterprise is a key step towards building an innovative economy and strengthening our country’s competitiveness.”
The battery plant’s total estimated investment is KGS 452mn ($5.2mn). It is expected to play a crucial role in the region’s industrial development and energy diversification efforts.
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