BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, November 2. The World Bank (WB) has given the green light for extra funding of $18.33 million for the CASA-1000 project, which includes Kyrgyzstan, Trend reports.
This additional funding complements the original CASA-1000 project, which aims to create a regional power connection enabling the export of 1,300 MW of excess hydropower from Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan to Afghanistan and Pakistan.
“The country-specific CASA-1000 project for Kyrgyzstan involves the construction of approximately 456 km of high-voltage alternating current (500 kV) transmission lines. The project is currently at an advanced stage of implementation, with 1,243 transmission towers installed (100 percent) and 287 km of stringing works (63 percent) completed,” the bank said.
This additional funding provided through the WB's International Development Association (IDA). The loan spread out over 50 years with a 10-year grace period.
The project, set to run until March 2025, will be carried out by the National Electrical Grid of Kyrgyzstan company and will adhere to strict international standards regarding procurement, financial management, and anti-corruption guidelines.
According to the WB, the combined funding of $216 million, with contributions from the European Investment Bank ($85 million), the Islamic Development Bank ($63 million), the World Bank, and the Multi-Donor Trust Fund ($68 million), will make it possible to finalize the construction of high-voltage transmission infrastructure in Kyrgyzstan, and create the conditions for sustainable electricity trade
WB’s initiatives in Kyrgyzstan currently encompass 22 projects aimed at modernizing and advancing various sectors, with commitments exceeding $1 billion.
