Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan Sign Protocols on Regional Water and Energy Balance

Cholpon Ata, The Gulf Observer: A package of protocols regulating the water and energy balance in the region was signed in Cholpon Ata following a trilateral meeting of the energy and water management agencies of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan, the Kazakh Energy Ministry reported. The Kazakh delegation was led by Minister of Energy Yerlan Akkenzhenov.

The key document defines the parties’ commitments to ensure water releases from the Toktogul reservoir in exchange for electricity supplies from Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan to Kyrgyzstan. The sides also reached an agreement on the conditions for the transit of electricity from Russia to Kyrgyzstan through Kazakhstan’s energy systems. These measures aim to maintain the required water level in the Toktogul reservoir and ensure irrigation water for Kazakhstan’s southern regions during the upcoming vegetation period.

In addition, bilateral negotiations were held on the sidelines of the meeting. A protocol was signed with Uzbekistan on the supply of up to 900 million kWh of electricity to Kazakhstan between March and December 2026 to offset projected deficits in the country’s southern energy zone caused by scheduled power plant repairs.

According to the ministry, the agreements reached will help reduce risks in the forthcoming autumn-winter period and create stable conditions for water accumulation ahead of the next growing season — a key factor for the agricultural sector in southern Kazakhstan.