Hydroelectric power plants and irrigation: dams and canals are discussed at the Kurultai in Kyrgyzstan
The development of hydropower and the restoration of irrigation systems have become the key topics of the IV National Kurultai, which began yesterday in Bishkek. In his speech, President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov summed up the work of the energy sector over the past four years, noting a significant increase in capacity. According to the head of state, 28 new hydropower plants with a total capacity of more than 400 MW were built in the country during this period. He stressed that the legacy inherited by the current government in the form of stations built in the 50-70s of the last century was in critical condition and had not been repaired for decades.
As an example of successful modernization, the president cited the Toktogul HPP, where the renewal of four units allowed to increase capacity by 240 MW. Sadyr Japarov explained that without the work carried out, the country would have faced restrictions on the supply of electricity, which would be ten times tougher than the current ones. The Head of State outlined ambitious plans: construction of about one hundred new hydroelectric power stations, further modernization of existing facilities and the introduction of renewable energy sources – solar and wind. All this, according to the President, lays the foundation for the full energy independence of the republic.
Confirmation of the words about the development of the industry was the online launch of the Kurak-Tektir-2 small hydroelectric power station in Nookat district. The ceremony took place right during the kurultai. The project worth about 88 million soms has a capacity of 1200 kW and is designed to provide stable energy supply to the local population. The station was commissioned in two stages of 600 kW each.
Energy development initiatives were also actively supported by delegates from the regions. The delegate from Osh, Eldan Kamalov, suggested using the experience of neighboring Uzbekistan and setting up the production of solar panels in the city. He came up with the idea to make the installation of such panels a mandatory requirement for the construction of new buildings, as well as simplify procedures for citizens wishing to sell surplus generated energy to the state. In his opinion, this will contribute to solving global environmental problems. In turn, delegate Tilek Asanbekov raised the issue of financing small hydropower plants in the Tyupsky district, asking to allocate 650 million soms from the budget for the implementation of projects with a total capacity of over 14 MW, which will help local budgets get out of subsidized dependence.
The second most important block of issues related to irrigation and water supply. Delegates from Batken and Talas regions focused on the need to complete the long-term construction of the Soviet period and the construction of new waterways. The representative of Kadamdzhai district Zharkynali Abdiramitov proposed to include in the plan for 2026 the completion of the Boz-Kara-Kyshtak canal, started back in 1985, as well as to allocate funds for irrigation of 4,000 hectares of land in local aiyl districts. His colleague Akzhol Adahan uulu stressed the importance of building the Kashka-Suu canal and daily regulation basins, calling the water issue the main investment in the future of the agricultural sector.
Similar problems were voiced by the delegate from Talas region Kenzhaly Arykbayev, who called for the reanimation of the Kayyrma channel project. The construction of this facility, stopped in 1987, could provide irrigation water to 15 thousand hectares of land in three districts of the region and create a stable source of income for thousands of families. In addition to water and energy issues, the kurultai participants discussed the development of infrastructure, including the gasification of villages, the completion of the construction of strategic highways such as Uch-Korgon – Daroot-Korgon, and the creation of industrial zones for processing agricultural products.
Daria Syrskikh (Rivers.Help!)
Original (in Russian): ГЭС и ирригация: на курултае в Кыргызстане обсуждают плотины и каналы
