Bishkek mayor announces $230 million second waste-to-energy plant
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Bishkek Mayor Aibek Zhunushaliev announced plans for a second waste-to-energy plant in the Kyrgyz capital, a $230 million project to be built by Chinese investors. The new facility will have twice the capacity of the existing plant that opened in December 2025. The announcement comes as the city seeks to expand waste processing and energy generation.
Key Facts
- The second waste-to-energy plant in Bishkek will cost $230 million and be built by Chinese investors.
- The new plant will have twice the capacity of the existing facility, which processes 365,000 tonnes of waste per year and generates 30 megawatts of electricity per hour.
- The first plant, opened in December 2025, was built by Chinese company Junxing Huanbao Ke Ji Invest for $95 million on a 12-hectare site.
- About 500 Chinese workers were involved in building the first plant, and 500–600 more will be hired for the second phase.
- The existing plant will transfer to Kyrgyz government ownership after 35 years under the project agreement.
Second Plant Announcement
Bishkek Mayor Aibek Zhunushaliev announced plans to build a second waste-to-energy plant in the capital. The $230 million project will be implemented by Chinese investors. The new facility will have twice the capacity of the existing waste processing plant. Zhunushaliev described the project as one of the largest and most significant in Bishkek involving Chinese investment.
Existing Plant Operations
The first eco-technological plant opened in Bishkek in December 2025. It processes 365,000 tonnes of waste per year and generates 30 megawatts of electricity per hour. Chinese company Junxing Huanbao Ke Ji Invest built the plant for $95 million on a 12-hectare site. The plant is considered the first in Central Asia to convert waste into electricity. Under the project terms, the facility will transfer to Kyrgyz government ownership after 35 years.
Workforce and Regional Expansion
About 500 Chinese workers were involved in building the first plant and have since left Kyrgyzstan. An additional 500–600 Chinese workers will be hired for the second phase and housed on the construction site. A similar waste-to-energy plant is under construction in Osh and is scheduled to launch by the end of 2027.
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Bishkek mayor announces $230 million second waste-to-energy plant
