25.06.2026
The countdown has begun for the Kazarman Hydropower Plant (HPP) Project with a total installed capacity of 912 MW, which İhlas Holding, together with its strategic partner Orta Asya Investment Holding, will implement in Kyrgyzstan. Speaking ahead of the official groundbreaking capsule ceremony for the approximately $3 billion investment, İhlas Holding Chairman Ahmet Mücahid Ören emphasized the project's strategic significance for both the company and the Turkic world.
Ören recalled that he first visited Kyrgyzstan 33 years ago with the late Turkish President Turgut Özal, noting that since then the company has continued its operations in the country in the fields of construction, trade, and media. "This is the first investment of such magnitude to be implemented. At the same time, this project marks the first step in İhlas Holding's growth strategy in the energy sector. It is an extremely meaningful and proud day for us," he said.
A 20% Contribution to Kyrgyzstan's Energy Capacity
Ören pointed out that although Kyrgyzstan possesses abundant water resources, it has utilized only about 16% of its hydropower potential. As a result, the country is forced to import electricity, particularly during the winter months.
He stated that once the Kazarman Hydropower Plant becomes operational, it is expected to increase Kyrgyzstan's existing installed electricity generation capacity by approximately 20%. Highlighting the rapidly growing global demand for electricity driven by the expansion of electric vehicles and artificial intelligence technologies, Ören stressed that the project will play a strategic role in strengthening the country's energy security.
Thousands of New Jobs
The Kazarman Hydropower Project, to be built on the Naryn River, consists of three hydropower plants: Alabuga, Karabulun-1, and Karabulun-2. During the construction phase, the project is expected to create employment for 2,000 to 3,000 people, while 150 to 300 permanent jobs will be provided during the operational phase.
Ören also noted that the Kazarman project will not be the company's final investment in Kyrgyzstan. Preparations are already underway for a second project of similar scale, while discussions on new energy investments are continuing in other Central Asian countries.
Congratulatory Message from President Erdoğan
President of Türkiye Recep Tayyip Erdoğan also issued a congratulatory message, emphasizing that the historic friendship and economic cooperation between Türkiye and Kyrgyzstan continue to grow stronger each year. Erdoğan noted that Türkiye is among Kyrgyzstan's leading foreign investors and expressed his satisfaction with the progress achieved in İhlas Holding's Kazarman Hydropower Plant investment.
He stated that the Kazarman Dam and Hydropower Project would make a significant contribution to Kyrgyzstan's energy development and regional economic growth. President Erdoğan also expressed his gratitude to the President of the Kyrgyz Republic, Sadyr Japarov, as well as to all Kyrgyz authorities for their support of the project, and congratulated everyone involved in bringing the project to this stage.
