The capacity of small hydropower plants in Kyrgyzstan has doubled in two years
Two years ago, the total installed capacity of small hydropower plants in Kyrgyzstan was about 67 MW, and now it has actually doubled, said Eleonora Kazakova, chairman of the Association “RES KR”.
According to her, the use of renewable energy sources in Kyrgyzstan has a long history dating back to the Soviet period. Then there were more than 200 small hydroelectric power plants operating in the country. Now there is a new wave of construction and restoration of small hydropower plants.
“Two years ago, the total installed capacity of small hydropower plants was about 67 MW. Today, this figure has already exceeded 128 MW, actually doubling. The construction of the Bala-Saruu hydroelectric power station has become an important project, but it will take at least five years to assess its effectiveness,” Kazakova said.
The Chairman noted that many memoranda are being implemented in the field of solar and wind energy. Agreements have been signed for the construction of stations with a total capacity of more than 6 GW, which is twice the current capacity of the Kyrgyz energy system (4.2 GW).
However, according to Kazakova, the main challenge is the modernization of the network infrastructure.
“We can build capacities, but how to transfer the generated energy if the network is not ready?” she said.
According to Kazakova, for the effective development of green energy, it is necessary to clearly define regional opportunities and develop a strategy. These measures have already been incorporated into the Green Economy program, which is designed until 2028. It provides for the phased implementation of measures, including:
- development of a regulatory framework, harmonization of technical regulations and rules;
- creation of maps of renewable energy potential in the regions;
- modernization of network infrastructure.
“If we miss important aspects now, we will face serious problems in the future,” Kazakova said.
