CASA-1000 countries discuss preparations for commercial launch in Bishkek

A joint working group meeting on the CASA-1000 project was held in Bishkek from 7 to 9 October 2026. Representatives of Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Pakistan and Afghanistan, along with international project partners, took part. The meeting was reported by the Kyrgyz national grid company NESK. Kyrgyzstan confirmed that construction work on its territory has been completed.

Participants reviewed the project's current status, construction progress in member countries, and the technical and commercial readiness of the energy infrastructure. According to Tajikistan's Ministry of Energy and Water Resources, the parties also discussed selecting an operator for the direct current converter stations, organising monitoring, and attracting financing to complete the remaining work. The Afghan delegation said additional funding is needed to finish outstanding work, and World Bank representatives said they would consider how to provide the necessary funds.

At the end of the three-day meeting, participants agreed on further joint steps needed for the infrastructure to function fully and for the project to move into commercial operation. The project has a planned transmission capacity of 1,300 MW, of which 1,000 MW is designated for Pakistan and 300 MW for Afghanistan.