Iskander Kokumbaev, the chief engineer of the municipal enterprise "Bishkek CHPP," told 24.kg in an interview about the city's preparations for the winter season, addressing issues of coal reserves, a possible transition to gas, and expectations for the heating period.
All planned repair work has been completed, and we are fully ready for the heating season. There will be no problems.
Iskander Kokumbaev.
This year, seven boilers and auxiliary equipment have been repaired.
"Currently, we have accumulated 320 thousand tons of coal, which is quite sufficient for a successful start to the heating season. In total, we plan to stockpile 1 million 400 thousand tons of fuel for the winter," the engineer added.
The CHPP's capabilities meet the growing needs of the city
According to Kokumbaev, the CHPP is successfully coping with the increasing demands of the capital.
The city is developing, and we are keeping up with its needs. We fulfill all requests from the population in full.
Iskander Kokumbaev
As for the transition to gas, this process is currently in the calculation stage. Iskander Kokumbaev noted that the implementation of this project is possible no earlier than 2027, as it could affect heating and hot water tariffs.
Staff and training
Currently, about 1,700 employees work at the Bishkek CHPP. There is a training center where workers can upgrade their qualifications or learn new specialties, such as welding, tractor driving, or crane operation.Iskander Kokumbaev began his career in 1998 as a second-class locksmith and gradually rose to the position of chief engineer.
Working under high loads and frost
The chief engineer of the CHPP noted that the enterprise operates in normal mode, even at low temperatures:
The concept of "peak load" does not exist for us. We know the weather forecast in advance and adjust the temperature of the heat carrier in the range of 63 to 80 degrees.
Iskander Kokumbaev
In case of malfunctions, emergency teams work around the clock at the station.
Environmental initiatives and new technologies
Iskander Kokumbaev reported that modern electrofilters, produced in China, have been installed at the CHPP, which capture up to 99.9% of harmful particles. "Although the CHPP also contributes to smog, the main part of the pollution comes from cars and private houses using coal and garbage for heating," he explained.Currently, the enterprise is studying proposals from Korean companies for the implementation of new filtration systems.
Heating launch
If the average temperature is 8 degrees or higher for five consecutive days, we will immediately turn on the heating. The official launch is scheduled for November 3.
Iskander Kokumbaev
Heat will first be supplied to kindergartens, schools, and hospitals, and then to residential buildings. The connection process will occur in stages, and within two to three days, heat will reach all consumers.
The chief engineer also urged residents to check their heating systems in advance in their apartments.
Before the season starts, it is necessary to bleed the air and prepare the system, so as not to blame the CHPP for cold radiators later.
Iskander Kokumbaev
The Bishkek CHPP provides heat and electricity to a large part of the capital. In recent years, extensive repair work and modernization of equipment have been carried out at the enterprise.
After the incident in 2018, when part of the city was left without heating, the CHPP strengthened control over safety and filtration systems. Currently, the CHPP is gradually implementing new technologies to reduce emissions and is considering the possibility of transitioning to cleaner fuel.
