How Bishkek Sells Ash from the CHPP and Turns Expenses into Revenue

Яна Орехова Local news
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At a recent meeting of the environmental council, the mayor of Bishkek, Aibek Junushaliev, discussed a pressing issue related to the ash produced at the capital's heat and power plant (HPP). Previously located outside populated areas, the ash dumps are now within the city limits, posing a threat to air quality.

The HPP, which has been operating for over six decades and provides Bishkek with thermal and electrical energy, has repeatedly faced the challenge of disposing of ash generated during the coal combustion process.

According to the mayor, the municipal enterprise "Tazalyk" is ready to handle the removal of ash from the HPP, but only on the condition that it is packaged in bags.

Junushaliev spoke about a new strategy for managing ash. Previously, cleaning costs exceeded 30 million soms per year; however, in 2026, it is planned to start selling ash at a price of 2,500 soms per ton, and with taxes included, 2,900 soms.


Now, instead of spending funds on ash removal, we are generating income. The byproduct is ready for sale.

Aibek Junushaliev

He noted that the ash produced in the country could be used for making paving stones, bricks, and slates. This solution allows for the recycling of HPP waste into construction materials and reduces the burden on the city budget.

A key moment for initiating transformations was the transfer of the heat plant to the management of the mayor's office in 2024. Since then, active modernization of the facility has begun, which, according to Junushaliev, has enabled the implementation of new methods for handling ash waste.
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