Uzbekistan ramps up participation in Kambarata-1 hydropower project

Uzbekistan is intensifying its cooperation with neighboring countries to co-finance and construct the Kambarata-1 hydropower plant (HPP) in Kyrgyzstan.

Energy Minister Jurabek Mirzamahmudov announced the acceleration of the project during the Uzbekistan Energy Week – 2026 international forum held in Tashkent, highlighting the initiative as a cornerstone of regional green energy integration.

Uzbekistan is consistently expanding its energy sector partnerships with Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. Beyond the immediate construction of the Kambarata-1 plant, these regional discussions focus on establishing a transcontinental energy route connecting the Central Asian states. The overarching framework aims to develop a dedicated "green corridor" involving Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Saudi Arabia, which will allow the participant countries to seamlessly export surplus clean electricity to external global markets.

According to the minister, these unified energy initiatives are designed to reinforce regional energy security, expand the overall share of renewable energy sources in the national mix, and unlock new high–capacity export opportunities.

The strategy forms part of a broader national policy to diversify the country's energy infrastructure. Uzbekistan remains focused on scaling up its nuclear energy program and phasing down its systemic dependence on fossil fuels. Industry analysts estimate that collaborative energy infrastructure projects across Central Asia could attract between $10-15 billion in foreign direct investment during the 2026-2030 period.