Russia officially announced its intention to become the fifth complete member of the Coordinating Electric Power Council of Central Asian Countries (CEPC CA), joining Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Although the Russian System Operator (SO UES) is presently granted observer status, the Russian government has already initiated the process of entering an agreement on the parallel operation of the region’s power systems. The main goal of this initiative is to improve the reliability of electricity supply in the macroregion and synchronize the development plans of power systems. Russia’s extensive experience in managing one of the world’s largest power systems will make a significant contribution to the coordination of the operation and development of Central Asia’s energy sector, according to Fyodor Opadchy, chief of SO UES. Moreover, this integration is not restricted to the commercial export of electricity; it is also intended to facilitate the efficient management of power transfers between countries, thereby facilitating the rapid balancing of power systems in the event of shortages, adverse weather conditions, or periods of high demand.
The Historical Context
The concept of a unified power infrastructure in Central Asia is not a new concept. The Central Asian Power System (CAPS) was established in the 1960s and 1970s within the USSR to guarantee a consistent and dependable electricity supply for all republics in the region. Even after the Soviet Union’s dissolution, these power systems continued to interact. However, the lack of a single coordinating authority resulted in difficulties in balancing and managing power flows, particularly during peak demands or emergency periods. The region’s energy demands and hazards have evolved, but the necessity for renewed cooperation and coordinated management has become increasingly apparent. The legacy of interconnected infrastructure remains.
Post USSR, Before Russia
CAPS was a fragmented network prior to Russia’s formal integration, a stark contrast to its tightly coordinated Soviet-era origins. CAPS, which was previously unified, broke down as a result of the collapse of the USSR. This occurred because countries prioritized their national energy security and control over resources. The gradual disconnection of national grids was the result of disputes regarding water use, electricity pricing, and energy transit. Countries such as Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan established self-sufficient systems, while Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, which were heavily dependent on hydropower, experienced seasonal shortages and isolation. In particular, the withdrawal of Uzbekistan from CAPS resulted in additional fragmentation, rendering certain states susceptible to disruptions and incapable of effectively managing supply and demand. In the early 2020s, regional cooperation was impeded by outdated infrastructure and limited cross-border commerce, which led to high transmission losses and reduced reliability. Despite the region’s acknowledgment of the necessity for revived integration, technical and political obstacles persisted until Russia decided to participate.
Technical Details and Current Status
Russia’s power system is one of the largest in the globe as of 2025, with an installed capacity of 269.1 gigawatts and an annual consumption exceeding 1,190 billion kilowatt-hours. The Unified Power System of Russia (UPS Russia) currently operates in conjunction with the power systems of Kazakhstan and Belarus, and through Kazakhstan, it maintains technical connections with the systems of Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan. The administration of operating modes is handled through the unified and regional dispatch control centers of SO UES, which enables the coordinated operation of 89 Russian regions and the joint regulation of frequencies with neighboring countries. This technical capability establishes Russia as a critical actor that is capable of enhancing the integration and stability of the Central Asian power network.
Potential Advantages for the Region
The prospective advantages of Russia’s integration into the Central Asian power system are substantial. In the event of emergencies or shortages, a unified system will allow the countries involved to promptly provide support to one another with power flows, thereby substantially reducing the risk of outages. The region will be better prepared to withstand both internal and external disruptions as a result of improved integration, which will also enhance energy security and resilience. Additionally, the efficacy of the entire power system will be enhanced and costs will be reduced by aligning development strategies and optimizing the use of generating capacities. This collaborative approach guarantees not only technical and economic benefits but also a more robust foundation for regional stability and cooperation.
Opportunities
It is expected that Russia will become a full member of the CEPC CA upon the completion of all necessary procedures. This development will create new opportunities for the implementation of joint infrastructure initiatives and deeper energy integration throughout the region. Russia’s accession is a strategic step that has the potential to considerably impact the balance and resilience of the region’s electricity sector, as well as to enhance its integration and mitigate risks for all participants. The initiative is expected to inaugurate a new era of shared development, reliability, and cooperation for the energy systems of both Central Asia and Russia.