Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan have developed parameters for a new format for water and energy cooperation, which should reduce the risk of winter electricity shortages and ensure uninterrupted irrigation of agricultural lands in 2026.

According  to the Ministry of Energy’s press service, the negotiations took place in Almaty under the chairmanship of Kazakhstan’s Energy Minister Erlan Akkenzhenov and culminated in the signing of a trilateral protocol.

The dialogue was attended by key representatives of the water and energy ministries of the three countries, including Kazakhstan’s Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Nurzhan Nurzhigitov, Kyrgyzstan’s Minister of Energy Taalaibek Ibrayev, Uzbekistan’s Minister of Energy Jurabek Mirzamakhmudov, Uzbekistan’s Minister of Water Resources Shavkat Khamrayev, and Kyrgyzstan’s Deputy Minister of Water Resources Almaz Jeenaliev.

The main topic of discussion was the situation at the Toktogul Reservoir, which traditionally plays a key role in Kyrgyzstan’s energy sector and the region’s water supply. Amid declining water reserves, the countries agreed to provide mutual support. Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan confirmed their readiness to supply electricity to Kyrgyzstan during the autumn and winter. This will allow Bishkek to reduce winter generation and increase water volumes in Toktogul.

The accumulated resource will be sent to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan during the 2026 growing season to ensure stable irrigation of agricultural lands in the southern regions—a critical factor for food security.

In addition to exchanging electricity and water, the countries agreed on joint measures to reduce consumption and promote energy conservation in the region. The Uzbek side specifically emphasized its readiness to provide technical conditions for transit and balancing of the energy system.

https://forbes.kz/articles/tri-strany-tsentralnoy-azii-dogovorilis-ob-obmene-elektroenergiey-i-vodoy-25956b