China-Kyrgyzstan solar cooperation brings new momentum to green development

China and Kyrgyzstan have shared close cooperation across a range of fields, from trade and investment to infrastructure and projects benefiting people's livelihood. In recent years, the partnership has expanded into green development, with solar power becoming one of the most visible examples.

A major milestone came on April 12, 2024, when then Chinese Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan Du Dewen and then Kyrgyz Prime Minister Akylbek Japarov attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the first phase of the 400-megawatt photovoltaic project in the Issyk-Kul region.

The project marked the first cooperation between China and Kyrgyzstan in solar power generation.

At the ceremony, Japarov hailed China's contribution to Kyrgyzstan's green development, saying that the development and utilization of renewable energy was a priority for Kyrgyzstan's economic development. He expressed the Kyrgyzstan's willingness to support Chinese companies in local development and deepen cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative.

Du called on Chinese enterprises to leverage their strengths in investment, technology, construction and operations to contribute to Kyrgyzstan's green development.

The groundbreaking has laid the foundation for future concrete results.

Through close cooperation between the two countries, a large-scale photovoltaic power station in Kemin District of northern Kyrgyzstan's Chui 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. Designed to generate around 200 million kilowatt-hours of electricity a year, it provides a more stable, uninterrupted power supply for nearby communities and cities, while reducing more than 150,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions.

Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov attended the grid-connection ceremony and praised the project team's expertise and efficiency.

The project has brought advanced renewable-energy construction and operating experience to Kyrgyzstan. It has also added new momentum to the country's energy security and sustainable development, said Japarov.

The station is also equipped with automated systems. At its central control room, operators can monitor the condition of the photovoltaic panels, weather forecasts and the real-time operation of the supporting substation.

The power station's technical team comprises both Chinese experts and local staff. For Kyrgyz employees, the project is also providing an opportunity to gain experience with advanced equipment and management skills.

More reliable power for local communities

The impact of the project is particularly visible in nearby villages, where people used to suffer electricity shortages and power restrictions.

Local residents said electricity supply has become much more stable since the project came into operation.

"We have already started to forget about power cuts and electricity restrictions," a resident told CMG. "Our electricity supply is much more stable, and we now have reliable access to power. More importantly, people's living standards and quality of life are improving."

Ma Wenjun, head of the Chinese company overseeing the project, said the cooperation is mutually beneficial, as Kyrgyzstan has abundant renewable energy resources while China has the necessary technology.

Part of wider cooperation

The solar projects are only one part of China-Kyrgyzstan economic cooperation.

As of the end of July, China's cumulative direct investment across all sectors in Kyrgyzstan had exceeded $2 billion, with projects in infrastructure, energy, mining, agriculture and green development progressing steadily, said China's Ministry of Commerce.

China has also participated in the construction or renovation of 11 road projects in Kyrgyzstan, significantly improving transportation infrastructure and facilitating the movement of people and transportation of goods.