Kyrgyzstan says hydropower accounts for 90% of its electricity generation

Hydropower accounts for around 90% of Kyrgyzstan’s electricity generation, Kyrgyz Energy Minister Taalaibek Ibraev said at Baku Energy Week.

Speaking during a ministerial panel, Ibraev said Kyrgyzstan’s energy system remains closely linked with neighbouring Central Asian countries through the regional power ring created decades ago.

“The Kyrgyz Republic generates 90% of its electricity from water resources and hydropower,” he said.

According to the minister, Kyrgyzstan cooperates with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan both on electricity supplies and on broader regional water and food security issues.

Ibraev said Kyrgyzstan receives electricity support from neighbouring Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan during low-water years, when hydropower output declines.

He said the country is currently modernising substations and hydropower plants, many of which were built around 60 years ago.

The minister highlighted the Toktogul reservoir, home to Kyrgyzstan’s largest hydropower plant with capacity of 1,440 megawatts.

Ibraev said modernisation of hydropower plants remains a priority, while Kyrgyzstan is also developing alternative energy sources, including solar and wind power.

He said Kyrgyzstan’s energy reforms and electricity generation policy were aimed at improving domestic power supply and strengthening the role of green energy.

Gulnar Nazimgizi