President: new hydropower plants will turn Kyrgyzstan from an importer into an exporter of energy
President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov announced the start of construction of a large hydroelectric power station “Kambar-Ata-1”. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Kara-Kul HPP in Jalal-Abad region, he announced the readiness of international financial organizations to cooperate in the implementation of this large-scale project, which is designed to radically change the situation with energy security in the country.
According to the President, preparatory work is already underway for the future construction of the Kambar-Ata HPP-1. In particular, the laying of roads, the construction of bridges, the laying of power lines and the creation of a town for builders are being carried out. According to the plans of the country’s leadership, the implementation of this project will allow Kyrgyzstan to move from the status of an importing country to the status of an exporter of electricity.
It is planned to achieve energy self-sufficiency within 2.5 years, Sadyr Japarov noted. During this time, in addition to Kambar-Ata-1, about 40 small and medium-sized HPPs under construction throughout the country, as well as a new thermal power plant in Kara-Kech, should be completed and put into operation. It is expected that after that the energy produced will be sufficient to fully meet the domestic needs of the country in winter.
The Head of State acknowledged that, despite the introduction of new generating capacities, the shortage of electricity has not yet been completely eliminated. This is due to the simultaneous increase in consumption due to the construction of new factories, factories, residential buildings, schools and other facilities. In this regard, he urged citizens to understand possible power outages in the coming winters, noting the need to “endure another 2.5 years.”
Special attention in the country’s energy policy is paid to the development of “green energy”. Hydropower is named a priority and promising area for Kyrgyzstan. According to the President, the commissioning of each new HPP gradually increases the total capacity of the country’s energy system and is a step towards achieving energy independence. The effective use of the hydro resources of mountain rivers is considered by the authorities of Kyrgyzstan as a key factor for ensuring the stable development of the state and the well-being of the population.
Original (in Russian): Президент: новые ГЭС превратят Кыргызстан из импортера в экспортера энергии
