Kyrgyzstan is set to establish Central Asia's first dedicated energy training center and live training range in Karakol, following high-level negotiations between Kyrgyz Energy Minister Taalaibek Ibraev, Russian Energy Minister Sergei Tsivilev, and Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov.
The agreement was formally signed in Kazan by Ilshat Fardiev, CEO of the Grid Company, and Ilgiz Sydygaliev, CEO of the National Electric Grid of Kyrgyzstan. The initiative originated from the Kyrgyz side, with Ibraev putting forward the proposal that ultimately secured cooperation from both Russian and Tatarstan counterparts.
Specialists from Tatarstan visited Kyrgyzstan on April 13-14 to inspect NEGK branch facilities, identifying suitable sites for the training center, the outdoor training ground, and the planned electrical equipment assembly operation. During inspections, teams assessed infrastructure needs and logistics requirements for housing the new facilities.
Unlike conventional training programs, the Karakol center will enable young specialists to practice working under voltage using modern equipment and personal protective gear on a dedicated training ground. This hands-on approach is designed to bridge the gap between theoretical instruction and real-world field conditions, producing job-ready graduates equipped for the operational demands of the energy sector.
Alongside the training complex, the partners plan to construct a joint assembly plant for KRUN and KTP electrical equipment, as well as electric vehicle charging stations. The combined project aims to transfer new technologies to Kyrgyzstan, expand domestic production capacity, and position the country as a regional energy education hub drawing professionals from Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.