In the east of Kazakhstan they want to build 90 small hydroelectric power stations on 22 rivers

According to Vice Minister of Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan Sungat Yessimkhanov during a meeting with residents of Ridder, the government is considering the construction of new hydroelectric power plants in the East Kazakhstan region.

— Of the real projects that we will implement in the coming years, we have six projects for 93 megawatts, — said the Vice Minister. – But there are still possible projects that have potential. This is more than 90 small-generation HPPs. But here we have to take into account many aspects.

He noted that they want to build small hydroelectric power plants on 22 rivers, including on the territory of national parks. Tourism is actively developing in the East Kazakhstan region, new trails and facilities are emerging. Small stations will help provide them with energy. But there is a problem: the legislation prohibits the construction of hydroelectric power stations on the territory of the forest fund.

— We want to ensure that we are allowed to extract this clean energy. Not in specially protected areas, but in the forest fund,” added Sungat Yessimkhanov.

A prerequisite for the construction of a hydroelectric power station will be compensation for damage caused to nature during the construction of stations. For example, planting new trees to replace the felled ones.

Elizabeth Sedykh (Altainews.kz )