BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 20. The first phase of the construction of the floating solar power plant on the Toktogul reservoir in the Jalal-Abad region of Kyrgyzstan is scheduled to begin in the second quarter of 2025, a source at Sonnenenergie, a Czech company and one of the partners in the investment agreement for the project, told Trend.
"Design work is already underway. The construction of the first phase is scheduled to begin in the second quarter of 2025, with an expected duration of 12–18 months. The total construction timeline is anticipated to be approximately four years," the company said.
According to the source, the project will be developed in two phases, each providing an installed capacity of 612 MWp (DC)/500 MW (AC). Once completed, the plant will cover 14 square kilometers, about 5 percent of the reservoir's surface area. Additionally, a 54-kilometer, 500 kV high-voltage transmission line will be built. Each phase is expected to generate approximately 1 TWh (1,000 GWh) of electricity annually, with a total capacity of 2 TWh (2,000 GWh) when fully operational.
One of the distinctive features of the project will be the use of innovative technologies to address the significant water level fluctuations in the reservoir. The water level can vary by up to 62.2 meters, posing a serious engineering challenge. The project will use advanced floating solar technology and a unique anchoring system to overcome this challenge.
"The project will have a significant impact on the region: it will create new jobs, support social initiatives, and contribute to sustainable development. The environmental impact of the project is substantial, preventing over 80 percent of water evaporation in covered areas, conserving resources essential for the adjacent Toktogul Hydroelectric Plant, and boosting Kyrgyzstan’s energy independence by reducing reliance on electricity imports," the company added.
In late November, Kyrgyzstan signed an investment agreement and power purchase agreement with Sonnenenergie a.s., German companies LTI ReEnergy CleanTech Project Development UG and AB Progressio GmbH. The signing ceremony took place in Berlin in the presence of Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov during his official visit to Germany as part of the German-Kyrgyz Economic Forum.
The cost of the project is $650 million.