The EU funded Hydro4U project is carrying out planning activities to assess future hydropower opportunities in Central Asia. Building on demonstrated small hydropower plants in Uzbekistan and the Kyrgyz Republic, the Hydro4U experts have examined additional sites in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan to support the wider use of small and medium scale hydropower in the region.

The planning activities aimed to evaluate whether proposed solutions are technically feasible, economically viable, and compatible with local environmental and social conditions. By doing so, Hydro4U seeks to support informed decision making and help prepare the ground for future investments.

Structured Planning Approach

Hydropower development involves multiple stages. Within Hydro4U, these include technical assessments, cost and revenue analysis, reviews of legal and permitting requirements, and evaluations of possible environmental and social impacts.

The outcome of this process is a so called bankable feasibility study, which provides the level of detail required by authorities and potential investors.

Three Planning Sites Under Review

Three locations have been selected to reflect different regions and development conditions in Central Asia.

• In southern Kazakhstan, the Badam site focuses on adding hydropower to an existing irrigation reservoir. The concept explores how electricity generation could be combined with current water management practices while continuing to meet agricultural water needs. The planned hydropower capacity is around one megawatt.
Proposed technical solution: Conventional Francis Turbine.

• In Kyrgyzstan’s Naryn region, the Suyok River site is being assessed for a small run of river hydropower plant. The area is sparsely populated and already accessible by road. The proposed installation would feed electricity into the local grid, with limited effects on existing land use and local activities.
Proposed technical solution: Francis Container with 2 power units.

• In western Tajikistan, the Yazgulom site involves a small hydropower plant designed for rivers with high water flow. The planning includes flood management infrastructure and measures to allow fish passage. The expected capacity is approximately 3.2 megawatts.
Proposed technical solution: Hydroshaft Power solution with 3 power units.

Supporting Replication Across the Region

Across all sites, the planning work focuses on practical solutions that could be applied at similar locations elsewhere in Central Asia. By documenting challenges, requirements, design options, and necessary mitigation measures, the Hydro4U experts aim to provide a reference for future hydropower projects that balance energy production with water use, environmental protection, and local needs.

The results of these planning activities will support project developers, authorities, and investors in assessing sustainable hydropower options in the region.

Author: Charlotte Schlicke, Steinbeis Europa Zentrum

Picture credits: CARTIF