The lands of the forestry districts of Issyk-Kul will be used for small HPPs

The Green Energy Fund under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic announced a tender for the right to receive land plots for the construction of renewable energy facilities. The initiative aimed at developing electricity generation involves the transfer of nine territorial units in various regions of the country to private investors. It is noteworthy that most of the lots – six out of nine – are allocated for the construction of small hydroelectric power plants, which are planned to be located in sensitive natural areas, including forestry territories.

According to the terms of the tender, three sites are allocated for solar power plants (SES). The most ambitious project is planned in Batken oblast, where more than 761 hectares of land will be allocated for panels in the village of Ak-Turpak, Kadamzhai district. Two more solar generation facilities will appear in Jalal-Abad region: in Toguz-Torou district on the Zhetigen site (30 hectares) and in Suzak district (almost 7 hectares). If solar energy is traditionally associated with the occupation of empty or unsuitable areas for agriculture, then plans for the development of hydropower raise questions about the preservation of ecosystems of mountain rivers and forests.

Several lots at once involve the construction of small hydroelectric power stations on the lands of the forest fund. In particular, in the Issyk-Kul region, plots in the Jeti-Oguz forestry (13.48 ha) and the Karakol forestry (Zergez forestry, 9.47 ha) are given over to hydraulic structures. Another station is planned in Ak-Sui district on an area of almost 12 hectares. A similar situation is observed in the south of the republic: private power facilities will also appear in the Toktogul forestry of the Jalal-Abad region and the Uch-Korgon forestry of the Batken region.

Tender procedures are scheduled for February 11, 2026 and will be held in Bishkek at 56 Erkindik Boulevard. Potential developers must submit documents by the evening of February 9. It is worth noting that despite the declared “green” status of the projects, the active development of forest and water resources for the needs of hydropower still requires a thorough assessment of environmental risks, which often remain in the shadow of economic indicators.

Original (in Russian): Земли лесничеств Иссык-Куля и юга Кыргызстана уйдут под малые ГЭС