As Vice Minister of Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan Sungat Yesimkhanov said during a meeting with residents of Ridder, the government is considering the construction of new hydroelectric power stations in the East Kazakhstan region.

—Of the actual projects that we will implement in the coming years, we have six projects for 93 megawatts, — said the vice minister. – But there are still possible projects that have potential. This is more than 90 low-generation hydroelectric power stations. But here we must take into account many aspects.

He noted that they want to build small hydroelectric power stations on 22 rivers, including national parks. Tourism is actively developing in the East Kazakhstan region, new trails and facilities are appearing. Small stations will help provide them with energy. But there is a problem: the law prohibits the construction of hydroelectric power stations on the territory of the forest fund.

— We want to ensure that we are allowed to extract this clean energy. Not in specially protected areas, but in the forest fund,” added Sungat Yesimkhanov.

A prerequisite for the construction of hydroelectric power stations will be compensation for damage caused to nature during the construction of stations. For example, planting new trees to replace those cut down.

Elizaveta Sedykh (Altainews.kz)