In a recent social media post, former president Almazbek Atambayev reminded about the start of energy projects that were initiated during his time. He emphasized that failures in the energy sector were one of the key reasons for the April Revolution of 2010. In response to these statements, Energy Minister Talaybek Ibraev expressed doubts about the accuracy of Atambayev's words in an interview with local media, noting that during his administration, not a single new hydroelectric power station was built.
— Almazbek Atambayev raised questions regarding the energy situation. How accurate are his claims?
— I studied his statement. Most of his words do not correspond to reality and are manipulative in nature. Let me explain based on facts. If you have specific questions, please ask.
— Atambayev claims that during his period the energy problem was solved and the country stopped importing electricity. Is this true?
— Let me give a simple example.
From 2010 to 2017, Kyrgyzstan regularly purchased electricity from Kazakhstan and Tajikistan, with an average price of about 5 soms per 1 kWh. Currently, we import electricity at 3 soms per 1 kWh.
In 2017–2018, the level of precipitation in the Toktogul Reservoir increased water reserves to 19.6 billion cubic meters, allowing the country to go without imports for two winter seasons. However, this was a temporary phenomenon caused by climatic conditions. Since 2019, imports have resumed, and consumption has increased from 14.163 billion kWh to 20 billion kWh.
The reasons for this growth include active construction of new schools, kindergartens, factories, and settlements. Since the beginning of 2023, 32,090 new facilities with a total capacity of 2,911 MW have been connected to the power grid, while the total generating capacity of the country is 3,400 MW.
Thus, the increase in electricity consumption is due to population growth and economic development, while the previously low consumption was explained by the lack of industries.
— Atambayev also stated that he reconstructed the Toktogul HPP and added 240 MW to its capacity. Is this true?
— No, this is not true. The reconstruction of four hydro units of the Toktogul HPP was completed very recently:
1st unit — in 2022,
2nd — in 2023,
3rd — in 2024,
4th — in 2025.
Only after the completion of these works did the total capacity increase by 240 MW.
Atambayev did not complete these projects; they were old initiatives that he could not realize.
— He also mentioned the completion of the construction of the "Datka–Kemin" power line. How do you comment on this?
— Yes, the construction of this line was completed during his administration. However, it should be noted that we are currently implementing a similar project "CASA-1000," where one kilometer of the line costs $420,000.
While under Atambayev, the cost of 1 km of "Datka–Kemin" was $644,000, which is $224,000 more per kilometer. Multiplying this difference by 405 km, we get $90.72 million that was embezzled.
— What reforms were carried out from 2010 to 2020? Were new HPPs built?
— During this period, the main focus was on the reconstruction of the CHP in Bishkek, but inflated estimates and low-quality work were also identified there. As a result, a criminal case was initiated: out of $386 million in loans, $111 million were embezzled, and senior officials, including Atambayev, were held accountable.
Additionally, in 2012, a contract was signed with "RusHydro" for the construction of the Upper Naryn HPP cascade, but not a single station was built. Kyrgyzstan allegedly received $37 million, but in fact, this money did not arrive, and the debt grew to $51 million with interest. Now the arbitration court has ordered Kyrgyzstan to pay this amount to Russia — the result of Atambayev's "false reforms."
If he had not unilaterally terminated the agreement, the country would not have lost in court and would not be paying $51 million for a non-existent project.
— What are the reasons for the current electricity deficit?
— The deficit is caused not by the "destruction" of the system, but by increased consumption. Previously, consumption was 14 billion kWh, and now it is 20 billion. The main reasons are industrial growth, construction of social and infrastructure facilities, as well as reduced water inflow due to climatic factors.
Nevertheless, the state is actively developing the energy sector:
the "Kambar-Ata-1" HPP (1860 MW) is under construction;
the "Bala-Saruu" HPP (25 MW) has been commissioned;
the "Kulanak" HPP (100 MW) and "Orto-Tokoy" HPP (21 MW) are under construction;
the construction of a CHP in Kara-Keche with a capacity of 1200 MW has begun;
an agreement has been signed for the "Kazarman" HPP (912 MW);
investors have been attracted for "Kökömeren" (1305 MW);
around 100 small and medium HPPs, as well as solar and wind power plants, are being built simultaneously.
— Thus, can we assert that no new HPPs were built during Atambayev's administration?
— Correct. During his tenure, not a single new hydroelectric power station was constructed.
On the contrary, the sector found itself in a debt pit, and projects were implemented at double the cost and through corrupt schemes. These are facts that are confirmed.
Atambayev's statements about stopping imports and reconstructing HPPs are outright lies. His only success is two "successful" years without imports, caused by weather conditions, not reforms.
