Orta Asya Investment Holding Releases Strategic Update Following $6.2 Billion Hydropower Agreement With Kyrgyz Republic
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6:41 AM on Friday, August 15
The Associated Press
Update highlights alignment with EU taxonomy and global green investment goals
BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, August 15, 2025 (EZ Newswire) --Following the public announcement made on August 11, 2025 by İhlas Holding regarding two major investment agreements signed between Orta Asya Investment Holding and the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic, Orta Asya today issued a strategic update detailing the international relevance and long-term sustainability vision of the landmark hydropower initiative.
The agreements, which encompass the development of six utility-scale hydropower plants across two distinct cascades totaling 2,217 MW in installed capacity, mark one of the most significant private-sector energy investments in the region’s history, with a total capex of approximately $6.3 billion (U.S.).
In a statement released today, Orta Asya Investment Holding emphasized the project's alignment with the EU taxonomy for sustainable activities, underlining its eligibility for future green financing mechanisms and international partnerships.
It is emphasized that the investment is viewed not only as the implementation of an infrastructure project but also as a major step toward enabling Central Asia’s clean energy transition in line with global sustainability frameworks. The investment is characterized as a “transformative initiative,” developed in close collaboration with the Kyrgyz government, with a commitment to transparency, international best practices and long-term impact.
Strategic Framework and Green Investment Relevance
Structured under long-term, 20-year power purchase agreements (PPAs) with full sovereign guarantees and backed by comprehensive fiscal incentives, the projects have been officially recognized by the Kyrgyz Republic as “national investment projects,” underscoring their critical role in advancing energy security, climate resilience and inclusive economic growth.
Both hydropower clusters are designed in full alignment with the EU taxonomy, contributing directly to SDG 7 (affordable and clean energy) and SDG 13 (climate action). Once operational, the projects are expected to generate more than 9 billion kWh annually, displacing an estimated 5.2 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions per year compared with coal-based generation alternatives.
In addition to stabilizing regional power grids, the hydropower assets will serve as key enablers of cross-border energy cooperation and support the objectives of the EU-Central Asia Global Gateway strategy, which emphasizes green investment and resilient infrastructure across the region.
Institutional Oversight and Project Management
To ensure disciplined execution, transparency and adherence to international standards from the outset, Orta Asya Investment Holding has appointed Hill International as the independent project management office (PMO) for both hydropower cascades.
This early engagement reflects Orta Asya’s commitment to institutional-grade governance, with clearly defined oversight structures and quality assurance protocols embedded throughout the project life cycle. As a globally recognized infrastructure consultancy, Hill International supports the implementation process through integrated planning, performance monitoring and risk management systems, helping safeguard delivery targets and investor confidence.
Project Breakdown
Kazarman Hydropower Cascade (Jalal-Abad Region) – 912 MW
- Three plants: Alabuga (600 MW), Karabulun-1 (149 MW), Karabulun-2 (163 MW)
- Estimated capex: $3.0 billion (U.S.)
- 20-year PPA with JSC “National Electric Grid of Kyrgyzstan” (NESK)
- Sovereign guarantees, tax exemptions, and structured IP handover at end of term
- Construction timeline: 6 years post-feasibility
Kokomeren Hydropower Cascade (Chuy & Naryn Regions) – 1,305 MW
- Three plants: Karakol (33 MW), Kokomeren-1 (360 MW), Kokomeren-2 (912 MW)
- Estimated capex: $3.265 billion (U.S.)
- 20-year PPA with NESK; state-backed offtake guarantee
- Investor protection clauses, arbitration under SIAC, legal framework aligned with Kyrgyz law
- Construction timeline: 6 years post-feasibility
Platform for Institutional Partnerships and Climate Finance
Feasibility studies for both project clusters have already begun. As this work progresses, Orta Asya Investment Holding will initiate formal engagement with international financial institutions (IFIs) and development finance institutions (DFIs) to explore strategic financing collaborations.
Parallel outreach to ESG-aligned institutional investors, export credit agencies (ECAs) and Tier-1 EPC contractors and turbine manufacturers is also underway, with the goal of securing partnerships that reflect the project’s long-term vision and sustainability goals.
Key project de-risking elements include:
- 20-year sovereign-backed offtake agreements
- Five-year tax exemptions (corporate income tax, import VAT, customs duties)
- International arbitration provisions (SIAC)
- Commitment to local benefits, including 1% free electricity allocation to communities and targeted social investments
Media Contact
Abdullah Tugcu
+90 212 454 24 22
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SOURCE: Orta Asya Investment Holding
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