Akylbek Zhaparov: Priority projects have been identified for the development of hydropower in the Kyrgyz Republic with a capacity of more than 6 GW until 2030
The Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic has identified priority projects for the development of hydropower with capacities more than 6 GW until 2030. This was stated by the Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic Akylbek Zhaparov, speaking at the forum "Transformation of the energy sector of the Kyrgyz Republic".
According to him, today the Cabinet of Ministers is carrying out a number of reforms to rebuild and ensure sustainable development of the energy system. In particular, structural reforms have been launched to consolidate energy companies and optimize their activities. A Medium-Term Tariff Policy for Electricity and Heat has been adopted, taking into account support for families and citizens in need. Enhanced measures are being taken to increase electricity generation capacities and achieve carbon neutrality goals in the country.
“In the near future, the construction of the Kambar-Ata HPP-1 will be launched. The volume of the reservoir will be also increased to 6 billion cubic meters of water. Compared to the Toktogul HPP, the Kambar-Ata HPP-1 will generate 1.5 times more electricity. The construction of the Bala-Saruu hydroelectric power plant begins, and budgetary funds have been allocated to ensure the start of construction. It should also be noted that today we are working closely with the World Bank Group on the joint implementation of a pilot solar project with a capacity of approximately 100 MW in the Issyk-Kul region. About 70% of the hydropower potential of our country remains unrealized. In order to develop this potential, priority projects have been identified for the development of hydropower with a capacity of more than 6 GW until 2030,” Akylbek Japarov said.
According to preliminary calculations, the implementation of the proposed reforms and priority investments in the draft strategy will require approximately $14 billion by 2030,” he said.
Akylbek Zhaparov called on development partners and potential investors to jointly implement the plans of the Cabinet of Ministers, noting full readiness for close cooperation and constructive negotiations.
He expressed confidence that, based on the results of the implementation of the planned reforms and investment projects, in the short and long term, effective operational management of the assets of the energy industry will be ensured, 100 MW of small and medium-sized hydropower plants will be commissioned by 2026, including 1 billion kWh of energy under the Green Billion program ”, solar projects up to 700 MW will be launched by 2030, ensured economically justified and transparent tariff setting for energy resources by 2030, and created at least 5,000 new jobs in the field of renewable energy and energy efficiency.