Energy of Kyrgyzstan: new hydropower plants and old risks of climate change
Kyrgyzstan has allocated 61 land plots for the implementation of new projects in the field of “green” energy. According to the director of the state institution “Green Energy Fund” Emilbek Orozbayev, the main focus is on hydropower – 45 plots are intended for the construction of small hydroelectric power plants. The remaining territories will be used for the construction of solar and wind power plants. This course is also confirmed by the plans of JSC “National Electric Grid of Kyrgyzstan”, according to which by the end of 2025 about 18 new small hydroelectric power stations, built mainly by local investors, will start operating in the country.
At the same time, such a clear focus on hydropower raises serious questions about the long-term sustainability of the national energy system. By relying on small hydropower plants, Kyrgyzstan is further integrating its energy future with water resources, which are already under pressure due to global climate change. A country whose energy has historically depended on large hydroelectric power plants, such as Toktogul, is now doubling this dependence by distributing it across many small rivers. The water level in these rivers is directly related to the melting of glaciers and the amount of precipitation – factors that are becoming increasingly unpredictable.
Thus, the “green” course of Kyrgyzstan may result in the creation of a new vulnerability. In low–water years, which may become more frequent, a simultaneous decrease in electricity generation at all HPPs – both large and small – can lead to a serious energy shortage. Despite the fact that the potential of small hydropower plants in the country, according to experts, is used only by 10%, without parallel and proportionate development of other types of renewable energy, such as solar and wind, the power system risks falling into a climate trap.
The authorities create differentiated conditions to stimulate investors. According to Emilbek Orozbayev, the land for small hydropower plants is leased for 15 years, while for more stable solar and wind power plants in terms of resource base – for 25 years. For his part, Deputy General Director of NESK Ularbek Duisho uulu assured that the company pays timely and in full with the owners of small hydropower plants for the purchased electricity, which is a positive signal for the market. However, the key challenge for Kyrgyzstan remains the diversification of the “green” portfolio so that the country’s energy security does not depend solely on the vagaries of the weather and the condition of waterways.
Alexander Eskendirov (Rivers.Help!)
Original (in Russian): Энергетика Кыргызстана: новые ГЭС и старые риски климатических изменений
