Kyrgyzstan is building hydroelectric power plants and substations for the export of electricity
Within the framework of the Tamga-Karakol and Kemin-Torugart projects, preparatory work is underway for the construction of powerful substations that will ensure the export of electricity to China, President Sadyr Japarov said, speaking at a solemn event dedicated to the 90th anniversary of the energy of Kyrgyzstan.
The Head of State in his speech noted that for almost thirty years not a single new hydroelectric power station has been built in the republic, energy equipment has not been updated.
“We are not talking about solar and wind power plants. Instead, we were forced to operate facilities built more than 60 years ago, such as the Toktogul HPP cascade and the Bishkek thermal power plant, whose units have long since exhausted their resources,” the president said.
He stated that at such a critical moment complex and time-consuming tasks arose. First of all, it is the fight against corruption in the energy sector, increasing public confidence in the work of the entire energy sector, as well as reforming the management system in the Ministry of Energy and energy companies.
“On the basis of presidential decrees, reforms in the industry were launched, including the modernization and rehabilitation of hydroelectric power stations, as well as the introduction of modern electricity metering technologies. For the first time in many years, credit debts of state-owned energy companies have been liquidated, which has strengthened their financial stability. The Bala-Saruu hydroelectric power station was built by the efforts of the Kyrgyz Republic itself. In addition, new power plants were built: Kainama, Kok-Art, Ysyk-Ata-1, Isfayram, as well as several other small hydropower plants. The construction of hydroelectric power stations on the reservoirs “Papan” and “Orto-Tokoy” has begun. In order to provide the population of all regions of our country with uninterrupted power supply, a large number of specialized equipment was purchased for the first time,” said Sadyr Japarov.
He stressed that power engineers can now quickly eliminate power grid accidents in the harsh winter months, not overcoming difficulties, as before, on horseback, but using specialized equipment. New substations and buildings are being built, comfortable conditions are being created for the work of power engineers. Particular attention was paid to the Bishkek thermal power plant, where significant funds were allocated from the state budget for capital repairs to restore the nominal capacity of power units. Work is also continuing on the launch of two hydroelectric units at the Kambar-Ata-2 HPP.
The President also recalled the provision of electricity to the remote mountain village of Zardaly in Batken region, as well as Ak-Kol and Ken-Suu in Naryn region, which have been without electricity for a long time.
“At the same time, for the development of the country’s energy infrastructure, the construction of substations and lines for the export of electricity to Afghanistan and Pakistan has been completed within the framework of the CASA-1000 project. Currently, within the framework of the Tamga-Karakol and Kemin-Torugart projects, preparatory work is underway for the construction of powerful substations that will ensure the export of electricity to China,” the head of state said and added that the construction of new solar and wind power plants has begun throughout the republic. Favorable conditions have been created for investors, including tax incentives, preferences, financial guarantees, as well as the possibility of determining electricity prices in foreign currency.
Sadyr Japarov stressed the importance of implementing the Kambar-Ata-1 HPP construction project.
“The Kambar-Ata-1 HPP construction project, which we call the “project of the century”, is actively developing with the participation of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and the support of the World Bank. If everything goes according to plan, we will start building the base dam and other infrastructure facilities by the summer. The commissioning of Kambar-Ata-1 will allow Toktogul HPP to operate in an optimal mode. This will ensure the supply of water to neighboring countries in the spring-summer period and fully satisfy Kyrgyzstan’s electricity needs in the autumn-winter season,” the president said.
The Swedish engineering consulting company Afry, acting as a consultant for the construction of the Kambar-Ata HPP-1 in Kyrgyzstan, will present a concrete dam project as early as May 2025. This was stated by the Minister of Energy of the Kyrgyz Republic Taalaibek Ibraev in his address in honor of the 90th anniversary of the Kyrgyz energy industry.
“Preparatory work for the construction of the Kambar-Ata-1 hydroelectric power station, called the project of the century, is at the final stage. To date, the consulting company AFRY has proposed four options for the dam. Of these, the working group of the Ministry of Energy chose a concrete dam based on the results of the conclusion of world experts. At the next stage, in May 2025, the AFRY consultant will present the dam project. Then the design and execution of other works will begin,” he said.
The Minister noted that the development of the energy sector remains a priority for the country’s leadership. In recent years, small hydroelectric power plants have been commissioned in the industry, large hydroelectric power plants have been reconstructed, solar power plants have been built, and the construction of wind farms has begun.
According to him, 2024 has become a landmark year for the Kyrgyz energy industry, which is celebrating its 90th anniversary. Changes have been made to industry legislation, incentives have been introduced to attract investment, and power engineers have been provided with modern technology and equipment.
