– What were your company's initial goals?
Intec was founded with the intention of developing small hydropower. We started on a small scale to improve technologies and organize the entire process — from design to commissioning. To date, we have completed three hydropower plants: two of them are fully constructed, and one is partially completed — in the village of Karagamish, Jalal-Abad region. There, we installed the pressure pipeline, carried out monolithic works, and facilitated the launch of the station. Thus, we are ready to implement the fourth project in Kemin.
– When will the construction of the new hydropower plant begin and what are its features?
The preparatory work has already been completed; we are currently awaiting final approval of the project developed by foreign specialists, but all work will be carried out by our team. We expect that construction will take about two years.
The project is large-scale: it includes a water intake node, a long pressure channel of more than three kilometers, and a building with two turbo-generators with a total capacity of 7.5 megawatts. The project budget is over 10 million dollars and is fully financed by private investments, without state participation.
– What benefits will the new project bring to Kyrgyzstan?
Firstly, it will create new jobs. During the construction process, up to 140 people are expected to be involved, and later about 8 permanent employees. We aim to attract local residents, providing them with opportunities for training and gaining technical experience.
The project will also contribute to the energy security of the country. Given the current electricity shortage in Kyrgyzstan, every new station, even a small one, helps reduce the load on the overall system. We hope that our efforts will contribute to providing the population with stable electricity and heat.
– What equipment will be used in the construction?
Our project will feature modern equipment from Europe and the Czech Republic. The substation is designed for 35 kilowatts, and we will also use reliable Chinese substations. All devices will be integrated into a single system.
Modern management technologies will allow for remote monitoring of most processes, which will increase the station's operational stability and reduce the influence of the human factor.
– What projects are being considered besides the hydropower plant in Kemin?
We are also conducting research at Issyk-Kul, studying rivers and assessing the potential for future station construction. We are considering the possibility of creating not only small but also medium-sized hydropower plants with a capacity of 20 megawatts or more.
Additionally, the company plans to enter the solar energy market. Currently, we are exploring this sector and consulting with experts, planning to implement a pilot solar power station project. This is a logical step towards a future focused on renewable energy sources.
– How do you address the staffing issue?
There is always a shortage of specialized professionals in the energy sector. We employ professionals from Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan, and we also actively attract young specialists, providing them with opportunities to gain practical experience.
Although we do not have our own educational base, we collaborate with technical universities where students undergo internships and can see how real projects are implemented, which is significantly more effective than theoretical training.
– What is the payback period for the project?
We expect a payback period of about eight years. Typically, we do not become owners of the facilities — our task is to build, launch, and hand them over to investors. Nevertheless, we create infrastructure and jobs, as well as contribute to the development of the regions where we build hydropower plants.
– What are your strategic goals for the coming years?
Over the next five to seven years, we plan to build about twenty small hydropower plants across the country and are already ready to conduct several projects simultaneously. Our main goal is to implement a hydropower plant with a capacity of 100 megawatts, which will be a significant step forward for the entire company and an important contribution to Kyrgyzstan's energy independence.
– What obstacles hinder faster development?
The main difficulties remain bureaucracy and lengthy approval processes, although the situation is gradually improving. Local authorities and the population have begun to better understand the importance of such projects, and we feel support, especially in regions where people see the real benefits of construction.
We strive for Kyrgyzstan to develop, and for every family to have stable access to electricity. We are confident that small and medium hydropower plants, as well as the transition to solar energy, will help the country free itself from dependence and prevent energy crises.
Our contribution lies not only in the construction of stations but also in the belief that Kyrgyzstan can provide itself with electricity.
