The development of small hydropower is gaining momentum in Kyrgyzstan, which is confirmed by the statement of Energy Minister Taalaibek Ibraev, made yesterday on the air of one of the radio stations. He said that construction of a new small hydroelectric power station (HPP) with a capacity of 25 MW will begin in the country in the near future. Investments in the project implemented by LLC «Kyrgyz-Chinese Joint Society for Hydropower Construction» amount to about 27 million US dollars.
The Minister noted that the contracting company had already completed the preparation of a feasibility study and had made the necessary adjustments to the project, including clarifying the location of the spillway and water intake. In addition, a number of meetings took place with the company’s management to discuss the details of the project.
This project is part of Kyrgyzstan’s broader strategy to develop the hydropower sector On October 5, 2024, former Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Akylbek Japarov personally participated in the ceremony of laying a capsule for the construction of this small hydroelectric power station, which will be located on the Ak-Buura River in the Osh region. He then noted that the development of the energy industry is one of the priority areas of state policy, and recalled that two hydroelectric power stations — Bala-Saruu and Kainama have already been put into operation this year.
The new small hydroelectric power station being built at the Papan Reservoir will produce 103 million kWh of electricity annually. The ex-chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers compared the river to a strong buura camel, the energy of which will now be used to provide the population with electricity.
Energy Minister Taalaibek Ibraev has already held a working meeting with Qian Liu, the main shareholder of LLC «Kyrgyz-Chinese Joint Hydropower Construction Society». It is reported that the parties discussed key issues related to the construction of a small hydroelectric power station behind the Papan Reservoir dam. The minister emphasized the importance of this project for the country’s energy independence and announced plans to complete construction and put the hydroelectric power station into operation by December 2026.
