Energy and Economy 

 

Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan to Face Winter Electricity Shortages 

Due to low water levels in key hydro reservoirs, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan are bracing for electricity shortages this winter. Kyrgyzstan’s President Japarov recently reported that the Toktogul Reservoir is dangerously low for this time of year, holding 2 billion cubic meters less water than at the same point last year. Officials from the Ministry of Energy and Industry now say the reserves are at their lowest level in more than a decade, and authorities have urged the public to reduce electricity and water consumption. Tajikistan is facing similar conditions, with water levels at the reservoir feeding the Nurek power plant dropping by 2.47 meters over the past year. These shortages underscore mounting concerns about the impacts of climate change and are expected to affect the entire region, as Central Asian states become increasingly interdependent in the water and energy sectors.

Source: The Times of Central Asia, Eurasianet

U.S. Approves Export of Nvidia Advanced Processors to Armenia 

On November 19, Washington approved the U.S.-based startup Firebird to export Nvidia’s advanced processors to Armenia. The first phase of this $500 million, 100-megatwatt AI supercomputing facility is projected to begin in the second quarter of next year. Set to be developed by Nvidia’s Blackwell chips and Dell AI servers, the supercomputing center will reportedly dedicate 20% of its computing capacity for domestic (Armenian) companies while 80% of its capacity will be sold to U.S.-based firms working in the region. Aside from actualizing a major policy shift following the Trump administration’s decision to lift previous Biden-era restrictions of high-performance chips to the country, this decision marks the beginning of the development of what is set to become the South Caucasus’ first-ever large-scale data center.

Source: OC Media 

Asian Development Bank Pledges $10 Billion Towards Initiative on Central Asia

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) announced the financial commitment during the 24th Ministerial Conference of the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC)—a program that links Central and South Asian states with international development organizations. The pledge will continue through 2030 to support sustainable development and resilience efforts. The hosts of the latest summit, Kyrgyzstan, also met with the ADB’s leadership on the sidelines, receiving a $500-$700 million commitment for the period 2025-2027. 

Source: Times of Central Asia

Politics and Security 

 

Working Groups Announced for the TRIPP Corridor and U.S.-Azerbaijan Relations

U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker first met with officials in Yerevan, after which she announced the creation of working groups to expedite negotiations and construction on the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP). Hooker then met with officials in Baku to establish a working group on the Charter of Strategic Partnership between the United States and Azerbaijan, which builds on negotiations held in August. One question that remains to be settled is the leasing term that Armenia will give to companies to work on the corridor that traverses Armenian territory. Separately, Azerbaijan Railways stated that the company is in the process of conducting a feasibility study to assess potential upgrades to railways in its exclave of Nakhchivan. 

Sources: Eurasianet, Caucasus Watch, X

Reservoirs in Turkmenistan Dry Up Amidst Intense Drought

The Mammetköl and Delili reservoirs, which receive water from the Etrek River, have completely dried up as of summer of this year. The reservoirs are especially important for irrigation systems and supporting livestock in the country’s Balkan region. Other rivers that run through Turkmenistan, such as the Amu Darya, also face low levels due to the lack of normal precipitation. 

Source: Times of Central Asia

Turkmenistan President Serdar Berdimuhamedov Visits Kazakhstan

Turkmenistan’s head of state arrived in Astana on November 24 to hold bilateral talks with Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. The two leaders planned to discuss avenues to strengthen strategic cooperation. 

Source: Qazinform

Kazakhstan and Armenia Strengthen Cooperation 

Kazakhstan and Armenia are forging a strategic partnership as seen in a joint statement between two states during Armenian Prime Minister Pashinyan’s state visit to Astana. Tokayev awarded Pashinyan the Order of Altyn Qyran (Golden Eagle), highlighting Armenia’s regional development in peace efforts and bilateral relations. The act was of special importance edue to the growing transit role of Central Asia and the South Caucasus in the Middle Corridor as well as the specific role of the planned TRIPP Corridor that will provide a land route from Azerbaijan through Armenia and into Türkiye. 

Source: The Times of Central Asia