China and Kyrgyzstan are developing close cooperation in various fields, including trade, investment, infrastructure, and projects that improve people's lives. In recent years, the partnership has expanded into environmental development, with solar energy becoming one of the most prominent examples of this cooperation.
A significant step was taken on April 12, 2024, when the then Chinese Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan, Du Dewen, and the Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan, Akilbek Japarov, participated in the ceremony for laying the foundation of the first phase of a 400 MW photovoltaic project in the Issyk-Kul region. This project marked the first joint venture between China and Kyrgyzstan in the field of solar energy generation.
At the ceremony, Japarov highly praised China's contribution to Kyrgyzstan's environmental development, emphasizing that the use of renewable energy sources is a priority for the country's economic growth. He also expressed Kyrgyzstan's readiness to support Chinese companies in local development and deepen cooperation within the framework of the 'Belt and Road' initiative.
Du called on Chinese enterprises to leverage their strengths in investment, technology, construction, and operation to promote Kyrgyzstan's environmental development. The start of construction laid the foundation for future tangible results.
Thanks to the close interaction between the two countries, a large photovoltaic power plant in the Kemin district of northern Kyrgyzstan, in the Chuy region, began operations in December 2025, becoming the country's first large-scale solar power station. The project covers an area of about 230 hectares and is equipped with 193,000 photovoltaic panels. It is designed to generate approximately 200 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, ensuring more stable and uninterrupted power supply to nearby settlements and cities while reducing carbon dioxide emissions by over 150,000 tons.
Kyrgyzstan President Sadyr Japarov attended the grid connection ceremony and commended the project team for its professionalism and efficiency. According to Japarov, the project introduced advanced experience in renewable energy construction and operation to Kyrgyzstan, adding a new impetus to the country's energy security and sustainable development. The station is also equipped with automated systems that allow operators in the central control center to monitor panel status, weather forecasts, and auxiliary substation operation in real time.
The power plant's technical team includes both Chinese specialists and local employees. For Kyrgyz workers, this project also provides an opportunity to gain experience with modern equipment and management skills.
More Reliable Power Supply for Local Communities
The impact of the project is particularly noticeable in neighboring villages, where residents previously faced electricity shortages and power supply restrictions. Local residents reported that since the project started, the electricity supply has become significantly more stable. One resident told CMG: 'We have started to forget about power outages and restrictions. Our power supply has become much more stable, and now we have reliable access to energy. More importantly, people's quality of life and living standards are improving.'
Ma Wenjun, head of the Chinese company overseeing the project, noted that the cooperation benefits both sides: Kyrgyzstan possesses rich renewable energy resources, while China has the necessary technologies.
Part of Broader Cooperation
The solar projects are only part of the economic interaction between China and Kyrgyzstan. According to the Ministry of Commerce of China, by the end of July, China's cumulative direct investments in all sectors of Kyrgyzstan exceeded 2 billion US dollars. Furthermore, projects in infrastructure, energy, mining, agriculture, and environmental development are progressing steadily. Additionally, China has been involved in the construction or reconstruction of 11 road projects in Kyrgyzstan, which has significantly improved transport infrastructure and facilitated the movement of people and goods.
회