The country continues to actively implement a large-scale program to increase energy capacity through the construction of hydropower plants of various sizes. This was stated by Daiyrbek Orunbekov, head of the information policy department of the President's Administration of Kyrgyzstan.
He noted that the current electricity deficit is temporary and arose due to a long absence of investments in the sector. "For the first time in many years, systematic reforms have begun in the energy sector of Kyrgyzstan," he added.
"Until now, the republic relied on hydropower plants built during the Soviet period. Since gaining independence, nearly three decades have passed without the construction of new facilities, despite the growing population and consumption. Since 2021, at the direction of President Sadyr Japarov, a large-scale renewal and construction of new energy capacities has begun," Orunbekov emphasized.
New hydropower plants to be launched in 2024
Last year, eight new hydropower plants with a total capacity of 48.84 MW were put into operation, including:
- Bala-Saruu HPP (25 MW, Talas region),
- Kök-Art HPP (6.7 MW, Jalal-Abad region),
- Kainama HPP (9.6 MW, Jalal-Abad region),
- Ysyk-Ata-1, Arashan, Isfayram-1, Beles, Kurak-Tektir-1, and others.
Plans for hydropower plants in 2025
This year, several new facilities with a total capacity of 41.29 MW are being constructed and prepared for launch in Kyrgyzstan, including:
- Koy-Suu HPP (9 MW, Issyk-Kul region),
- Ysyk-Ata-2 HPP (4 MW, Chui region),
- Aksy HPP (4.75 MW, Jalal-Abad region),
- Boz-Uchuk HPP (5.54 MW, Issyk-Kul region),
- Kara-Kul HPP (18 MW, Jalal-Abad region).
Modernization of existing hydropower plants
In addition, the modernization work already carried out on major hydropower plants has yielded noticeable results:
- At the Toktogul HPP, four units have been upgraded, adding 240 MW;
- At the Uchkurghan HPP, 9 MW has been added, and upon completion of reconstruction, another 36 MW is planned;
- A project is being implemented at the Kambar-Ata-2 HPP to launch a second unit with a capacity of 120 MW;
- The At-Bashinsky HPP has increased its capacity by 11.44 MW;
- Reconstruction is also underway at the Lebedinovskaya, Papanskaya, Yldyky-Tarskaya, and Bystrovskaya HPPs.
Plans until 2030
By the end of the decade, the construction of dozens of new hydropower plants is planned in various regions of Kyrgyzstan. Among the significant projects:
- Kulanak HPP (100 MW),
- Orto-Tokoy HPP (21 MW),
- Turgent, Mayly-Suu, Papaan, Jeruy, Chandalash, and others with a total capacity of over 500 MW.
"Construction work is being accelerated, with both state and private investors participating in the project. As these initiatives are implemented, the energy deficit will gradually be eliminated, and Kyrgyzstan will be able to become energy independent," noted Daiyrbek Orunbekov.
