Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan Sign Landmark Water-Energy Cooperation Protocols

A package of protocols on regional water and energy management was signed in Cholpon Ata following a trilateral meeting of energy and water authorities from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan.

The Kazakh delegation was led by Energy Minister Yerlan Akkenzhenov, The Caspian Post reports via Kazakh media.

The agreements outline the parties’ responsibilities to coordinate water releases from the Toktogul reservoir in exchange for electricity supplies from Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan to Kyrgyzstan. They also establish conditions for the transit of Russian electricity through Kazakhstan’s energy systems to Kyrgyzstan, ensuring sufficient reservoir levels and providing irrigation water to southern Kazakhstan during the upcoming vegetation period.

During the visit, bilateral talks were also held. A protocol with Uzbekistan was signed to supply up to 900 million kWh of electricity to Kazakhstan from March to December 2026, addressing projected deficits in the southern energy zone during scheduled power plant maintenance.

The agreements aim to reduce risks in the upcoming autumn-winter period and ensure predictable water accumulation for the next growing season, a key factor for agriculture in southern Kazakhstan.

Earlier, it was reported that UNDP plans to participate in the construction of new water reservoirs in Kazakhstan, further strengthening regional water security.