Central Asia is sitting on one of the world’s greatest untapped energy treasures. With the largest feasible hydropower potential globally—an estimated 8,160 TWh per year—the region has only tapped about 25% of its capacity so far. But that’s changing fast.
The Numbers Tell the Story
Today, 167 hydropower plants across the region generate 47.2 TWh annually, with a total capacity of 13.4 GW. Yet the reliance varies dramatically—Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan produce 90% of their electricity through hydropower, while Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan remain below 10%.
Game-Changing Projects on the Horizon
Two mega-projects are set to reshape the region’s energy landscape:
Rogun HPP (Tajikistan) – The World Bank just approved a second phase of financing for this transformative project. When complete, it will generate 14,400 GWh of renewable electricity annually—roughly 60% of Tajikistan’s current generation. It will provide clean, reliable power to 10 million people and create over 30,000 jobs. The project will also enable electricity exports to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, strengthening regional energy markets.
Kambarata-1 HPP (Kyrgyzstan) – A historic trilateral effort bringing together Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan. Expected to generate around 6,000 GWh annually—equivalent to half of Kyrgyzstan’s current supply. With a capacity of 1,860 MW, it’s set to become one of Central Asia’s largest power plants.
Small Hydropower, Big Impact
The region also boasts significant small hydropower potential, estimated at 33 GW—placing Central Asia second in the world for available capacity. Kazakhstan plans to commission over 70 new plants by 2030, while Kyrgyzstan is pursuing its largest small hydropower expansion in history. Uzbekistan is building about 3,000 micro-HPPs on irrigation canals.
Cooperation is Key
What makes this moment historic is the unprecedented regional collaboration. The Kambarata-1 project represents the first time three Central Asian countries are jointly financing and developing a major hydropower facility. Meanwhile, the World Bank is supporting Central Asia’s first-ever regional electricity market, designed to harness complementary energy assets across borders.
Challenges Ahead
The path isn’t without obstacles. Aging infrastructure, limited investment, and mounting pressures from climate change and water scarcity continue to hold the sector back. Precipitation in 2025 fell to around 80% of the long-term average—one of the driest decades on record. Upstream hydropower ambitions sometimes clash with downstream irrigation needs.
But the momentum is undeniable. By 2035, the region is expected to increase hydropower capacity by an additional 8,900 MW. With strong regional cooperation, sustainable planning, and continued investment, Central Asia can unlock its vast hydropower potential—powering homes, creating jobs, and building a cleaner, more energy-secure future for millions.
Post time: Jul-17-2026
