Kyrgyzstan is advancing several large solar power plant projects in 2026 as part of a broader push to diversify its energy mix. Speaking at the 31st Baku Energy Forum, Energy Minister Taalaibek Ibraev confirmed that the country has signed agreements for renewable energy projects with a total capacity of approximately 6 gigawatts.
The largest single project is a 1,900 MW (1.9 GW) solar plant being built by Vietnamese-backed Retsa LLC in Kyzyl-Oruk village, Issyk-Kul region. The project is being commissioned in phases: the first 175 MW is expected to connect to the grid in June 2026, followed by a 400 MW second phase, with the remaining 1,300 MW planned for completion by 2028. A separate 600 MW solar plant is under development in At-Tatyr village, Batken district, with its first 200 MW phase scheduled for September 2026.
Kyrgyzstan currently generates around 90% of its electricity from hydropower, with the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) reporting zero installed solar capacity in the country as of the end of 2024. The country’s push into solar energy is driven by rising electricity demand, with current shortfalls covered by imports from neighboring countries. Minister Ibraev noted that Kyrgyzstan cooperates closely with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan within the unified energy system of Central Asia during periods of electricity shortage.
These solar developments represent a significant shift for Kyrgyzstan’s energy landscape, as the country aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 44% by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
Sources
- Ibraev: Kyrgyzstan implementing new energy projects with foreign investors – Report.az
- Energy minister: Kyrgyzstan is increasing investments in solar and wind energy – APA
- Kyrgyzstan plans to commission large capacity solar power plants in 2026 – QazaqGreen
- Kyrgyzstan, Hungary sign $300 million solar development deal – PV Magazine
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