As part of the «Tamga-Karakol» and «Kemin-Torugart» projects, preparatory work is underway for the construction of powerful substations that will ensure the export of electricity to China, President Sadyr Zhaparov said, speaking at a gala event dedicated to the 90th anniversary of the energy sector of Kyrgyzstan.

The head of state noted in his speech that for almost thirty years not a single new hydroelectric power station has been built in the republic, and energy equipment has not been updated.

«We are no longer talking about solar and wind power plants. Instead, we were forced to operate facilities built more than 60 years ago, such as the Toktogul hydroelectric power station cascade and the Bishkek thermal power plant, whose units have long exhausted their service life», – the president said.

He stated that at such a critical moment complex and labor-intensive tasks arose. First of all, this is the fight against corruption in the energy sector, increasing public confidence in the work of the entire energy sector, as well as reforming the management system in the Ministry of Energy and energy companies.

«On the basis of presidential decrees, reforms were initiated in the industry, including the modernization and rehabilitation of hydroelectric power stations, as well as the introduction of modern electricity metering technologies. For the first time in many years, credit debts of state-owned energy companies have been eliminated, which has strengthened their financial stability. The Bala-Saruu«hydroelectric power station was built through the efforts of the Kyrgyz Republic itself. In addition, new power plants were built: «Kainama», «Kok-Art», «Ysyk-Ata-1», «Isfayram», as well as several other small hydroelectric power stations. Construction of a hydroelectric power station has begun on the «Papan» and «Orto-Tokoy» reservoirs. In order to provide the population of all regions of our country with uninterrupted power supply, a large amount of specialized equipment was purchased for the first time, noted Sadyr Zhaparov.

He emphasized that power engineers can now quickly eliminate accidents on electrical networks in the harsh winter months, not overcoming difficulties, as before, on horses, but using specialized equipment. New substations and buildings are being built, and comfortable working conditions for power engineers are being created. Particular attention is paid to the Bishkek Thermal Power Plant, where significant funds were allocated from the state budget for major repairs to restore the nominal capacity of power units. Work also continues to launch two hydraulic units at the Kambar-Ata-2«hydroelectric power station.

The President also recalled the supply of electricity to the remote mountain village of Zardaly, Batken region, as well as Ak-Kol and Keng-Suu in the Naryn region, which had been left without electricity for a long time.

«At the same time, to develop the country’s energy infrastructure, within the framework of the «CASA-1000» project, the construction of substations and lines for the export of electricity to Afghanistan and Pakistan has been completed. Currently, within the framework of the «Tamga-Karakol» and «Kemin-Torugart» projects, preparatory work is underway for the construction of powerful substations that will ensure the export of electricity to China», – the head of state said and added that the construction of new solar and wind power plants has begun throughout the republic. Favorable conditions have been created for investors, including tax breaks, preferences, financial guarantees, as well as the ability to determine electricity prices in foreign currency.

Sadyr Zhaparov emphasized the importance of implementing the Kambar-Ata-1 hydroelectric power station construction project.

«The project for the construction of the Kambar-Ata-1 hydroelectric power station, which we call the «project of the century», is actively developing with the participation of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and the support of the World Bank. If everything goes according to plan, by the summer we will begin construction of the base dam and other infrastructure facilities. The commissioning of Kambar-Ata-1 will allow the Toktogul hydroelectric power station to operate in optimal mode. This will ensure water supply to neighboring countries in the spring-summer period and will fully satisfy Kyrgyzstan’s electricity needs in the autumn-winter season», — the president said.

Swedish engineering consulting company Afry, which is a consultant for the construction of Kambarata HPP-1 in Kyrgyzstan, will present a concrete dam project as early as May 2025. This was stated by the Minister of Energy of the Kyrgyz Republic Taalaibek Ibraev in his address in honor of the 90th anniversary of Kyrgyz energy.

«Preparatory work for the construction of the Kambaratinskaya-1 hydroelectric power station, called the project of the century, is in its final stage. To date, consultant company AFRY has proposed four options for the dam. From these, a working group of the Ministry of Energy selected a concrete dam based on the results of the conclusion of world experts. In the next phase, in May 2025, an AFRY consultant will present the dam project. Then the design and execution of other work will begin», — he said.

The minister noted that the development of the energy sector remains a priority for the country’s leadership. In recent years, small hydroelectric power stations have been put into operation in the industry, large hydroelectric power stations have been reconstructed, solar power plants have been built, and the construction of wind power plants has begun.

According to him, 2024 was a landmark year for the Kyrgyz energy sector, which is celebrating its 90th anniversary. Changes have been made to industry legislation, benefits have been introduced to attract investment, and power engineers are provided with modern equipment and equipment.