The Kyrgyz Republic has formalized a significant expansion of its solar energy ambitions, solidifying a partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to develop two new large-scale solar power plants. An agreement was signed on June 10, 2024, during the International Energy Investment Forum in Vienna by representatives from the nation’s Ministry of Energy, Ministry of Economy and Commerce, and the IFC.
New Plants in Batken and Talas as Solar Energy Project in Kyrgyzstan Advances with IFC
This latest development marks the second phase of a comprehensive strategy to harness the country’s solar resources. The agreement paves the way for the construction of two solar plants, one in the Batken region and another in the Talas region. Together, these facilities are expected to add a combined capacity of up to 300 MW to the national grid.
Image: Collected
The projects are structured as a Public-Private Partnership (PPP), where private investors will be responsible for the design, construction, financing, and operation of the plants. This model builds upon the groundwork laid during the project’s initial phase, a 100-150 MW pilot solar plant in the Kochkor district of the Naryn region. That pilot successfully established a competitive tendering process to attract private sector capital.
Aligning with National Energy Strategy for Solar Energy Project in Kyrgyzstan Advances with IFC
These new installations are a crucial component of a broader solar park initiative aiming for a total capacity of up to 500 MW. The IFC is playing a key advisory role, helping structure the projects and leading an open international tender to attract qualified private investors.
This push for solar power aligns directly with Kyrgyzstan’s Energy Sector Development Strategy to 2035. The strategy sets an ambitious target of developing 1,500 MW of non-hydro renewable energy. By leveraging private investment, the country aims to diversify its energy sources, increase domestic electricity generation, meet rising demand, and significantly reduce its greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to a cleaner energy future.
Sources
- Kyrgyzstan and IFC sign agreement on solar power plants – 24.KG
- IFC Vice President: Unleashing the Kyrgyz Republic’s solar power – AKIpress
- Project Disclosure: Kyrgyz Solar 2 – IFC
- Renewable Energy Development Project – Phase 2 – World Bank
- Kyrgyz Solar 2 – Project Details PDF
- Kyrgyzstan and IFC sign agreement on solar power plants – QazaqGreen
- Kyrgyzstan and IFC Sign Agreement on Two Solar Power Plant Projects – The Times of Central Asia
- Kyrgyzstan Pilot Project solar farm – Global Energy Monitor
- IFC Increases Impact in Central Asia with Strong Investments in Fiscal Year 2024 – IFC Pressroom
- 2024 Investment Climate Statements: Kyrgyz Republic – U.S. Department of State
