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Renewable Energy

Investors Push Back Against New Renewable Energy Bill in Kyrgyzstan

A new draft law proposed by Kyrgyzstan’s Ministry of Energy has sparked concern among renewable energy investors. The legislation, currently under public review until June 20, 2025, imposes new financial and technical obligations on owners of small hydropower plants as well as solar and wind power installations. Following the review period, the bill will be submitted to the president for approval. Key Provisions and Investor Backlash Under the proposed law, operators of small hydroelectric and other renewable energy facilities would be required to pay 1% of their electricity sales revenue to local authorities. Additionally, they must maintain the ability to accumulate at least 30% of the station’s installed capacity. The draft also stipulates that electricity generated from renewable energy sources (RES), which is neither consumed by the producer nor sold under contract, will be priced at the average tariff of the previous year. Lawmakers claim the bill ensures transmission support for RES providers, mandating that distribution companies and relevant organizations enable the smooth delivery of electricity from private generators to consumers, provided the infrastructure allows. However, industry representatives argue that the legislation could stall growth in the sector. A letter from a consortium of small hydropower companies in the Chui and Issyk-Kul regions warns that the proposed changes create unnecessary obstacles and risk deterring both domestic and foreign investment. “No domestic, let alone foreign, investor will be interested in implementing renewable energy projects if the payback period at a tariff of 1.71 KGS ($0.020) per kWh is extended to 20-25 years,” said Rakhatbek Irsaliyev, director of the consortium. “This is especially true given that such projects are not implemented for personal use or resale, but to cover the country’s growing electricity deficit.” The consortium is urging the government to revisit its tariff policy. Specifically, they are calling for a system that allows energy producers to sell at updated, higher rates, rather than last year’s average. In Kyrgyzstan, electricity tariffs are typically adjusted annually on May 1. Broader Energy Context Kyrgyzstan has long touted its substantial energy potential, particularly in hydropower. With abundant rivers and glaciers, it ranks third in hydropower resources among CIS countries, following Russia and Tajikistan. Yet, less than 10% of this potential is currently being utilized. Government efforts to address the energy shortfall include the commissioning of 18 small hydropower plants in 2025 and the expansion of wind and solar infrastructure nationwide. A major project, Kambarata HPP-1 on the Naryn River, is also in development, involving cooperation with neighboring countries. Meanwhile, the CASA-1000 initiative is nearing completion. This project aims to export summer surplus electricity from Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan to Pakistan via Afghanistan. Despite this progress, international organizations like the World Bank have urged Kyrgyzstan to raise electricity tariffs for both residential and commercial users. Since 2024, the government has begun implementing gradual tariff hikes, but experts argue that the pace is insufficient. “The tariffs set for industrial and commercial consumers allow costs to be recouped. These categories pay a fair price,” said Katarina Gassner, a World...

Water

Kazakhstan Launches First-Ever Cleanup of Astana Reservoir

For the first time in over half a century, Kazakhstan has begun a major cleanup of the Astana Reservoir, a key water source for the capital and surrounding villages. Built in 1970, the reservoir has never undergone comprehensive dredging until now. According to the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation, the cleanup involves advanced equipment, including a large dredger equipped with a hydraulic ripper capable of processing up to 2,000 cubic meters per hour, and a self-propelled amphibious dredger with a capacity of up to 900 cubic meters per hour. In 2025, authorities plan to remove 50,000 tons of sediment from the reservoir floor. The cleanup, which began in early June, is scheduled to continue annually for 13 years and is expected to significantly enhance the reservoir’s storage capacity. Upon completion of this year’s work, the Astana Reservoir’s volume will increase by 47 million cubic meters, from its current capacity of 410.9 million cubic meters. This expansion will bolster the water supply for Astana and nearby communities. “The Astana Reservoir is a strategic facility that plays a vital role in providing the capital with water,” said Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Nurzhan Nurzhigitov. “The use of modern technology allows us to carry out the first cleanup of the reservoir in over 50 years both thoroughly and efficiently.” The reservoir is located on the Yesil River. In 2010, a protective dam was constructed to shield the capital from spring floodwaters originating from the river.

Agriculture

Watermelon Prices Plummet in Uzbekistan as Early Harvest Floods Market

Wholesale watermelon prices in Uzbekistan have dropped nearly threefold in just one week, marking the steepest weekly decline in at least five years, according to a report by EastFruit. EastFruit analysts attribute the sharp drop to an early and abundant harvest. Between May 16 and 22, large volumes of freshly harvested watermelons entered the wholesale markets in Tashkent, about a week earlier than in 2024, resulting in a supply surge. On May 23, the average wholesale price stood at 7,000 Uzbek sums per kilogram (approximately $0.54), the highest level for that time of year since 2021. By May 30, prices had fallen to just 2,500 sums per kilogram ($0.20), representing a near threefold decrease in just seven days. Despite the dramatic drop, end-of-May prices were still 25% higher than the same period in 2023, though only half the price recorded in late May 2024. Export Prospects Remain Strong The price decline is expected to stimulate watermelon exports. Since 2020, fresh watermelons have become one of Uzbekistan’s key fruit and vegetable exports. In 2023, the country set a record by exporting 104,700 tons. Shipments remained robust in 2024, reaching 98,500 tons, just 6% below the all-time high. As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, Kyrgyzstan recently signed a trade agreement with a leading Uzbek dried fruit exporter, paving the way for regular food exports to Europe and the Persian Gulf. Ecofruit, a major Uzbek agricultural producer, has also expressed strong interest in Kyrgyz nuts and dried fruits, citing their high quality and natural purity.

Caspian Sea

How the Shallowing of the Caspian Sea Will Affect Kazakhstan’s Ecology and Economy

Environmentalists are raising the alarm as the level of the Caspian Sea approaches a historic low. A recent review by Energyprom.kz highlights the growing environmental and economic risks facing Kazakhstan. Sea Level Dynamics and Causes of Decline At the 28th session of the Caspian Hydrometeorological Coordination Committee, it was reported that in November 2024, the average sea level stood at -29.03 meters relative to the Baltic elevation system. This marks the lowest level since 1977 when the sea dropped to -29.18 meters. Historical records indicate that between 1930 and 1977, the Caspian Sea experienced a significant decline due to the large-scale hydro-technical regulation of the Volga and Ural rivers. A temporary recovery followed between 1978 and 1995, with levels rising to -26.4 meters. However, since 2006, the sea has been steadily receding once more. According to Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation, the surface area of the Caspian has shrunk from 390,000 to 360,000 square kilometers in the past 18 years, with the northeastern shoreline most severely affected. “Since 2001, it has receded by over 50 kilometers, transforming thousands of square kilometers of water into land,” Deputy Edil Zhanbyrshin said during an inspection of the Ural River’s delta in the Atyrau Region. The depth at its mouth is now just 30-40 centimeters and is no longer navigable by ship. Climate Change and Meteorological Shifts One of the primary drivers of the sea’s decline is a drop in precipitation in the Volga basin. Atlantic cyclones that once brought regular rainfall have shifted their paths due to climate change. Simultaneously, rising temperatures are accelerating surface evaporation. Though the Caspian Sea borders five nations - Kazakhstan, Russia, Iran, Azerbaijan, and Turkmenistan - Kazakhstan bears the greatest risk. The sea’s northern section, vital for maritime transport and oil production, is the most vulnerable. Pollution, Wildlife Decline, and Regulatory Failures In addition to hydrological challenges, pollution remains a persistent threat. Members of the Mazhilis have cited ongoing toxic discharges by oil companies as a major factor in ecological degradation. The Caspian seal population has also plunged from one million to 100,000 over four decades, and sturgeon numbers have fallen by 90%. A parliamentary inquiry highlights the detrimental impact of oil spills, industrial fishing, drilling platforms, and tanker traffic, which obstruct sturgeon spawning routes. Compounding the problem, environmental fines levied on oil firms have reportedly been written off, either against future investments or royalties. Vadim Ni, director of the Social and Environmental Fund, told the Mazhilis he has been denied access to the environmental clauses in contracts with major field operators at Kashagan, Tengiz, and Karachaganak. The Ministry of Ecology has declined to release the data, citing confidentiality, and court appeals for transparency have so far failed. A Looming Migration Crisis? Without a reversal like the sea-level rise of 1978, Kazakhstan could face severe consequences. These include the cessation of shipping, collapse of marine ecosystems, and potential mass displacements. “By 2040, the issue of resettling up to five million Kazakhs living near the sea may...

Darvaza

Turkmenistan Contains ‘Gate to Hell’ Fire After Decades of Inferno

The fiery spectacle of the Darvaza Gas Crater, feared and revered as the 'Gate to Hell,' has dimmed significantly after over fifty years of continuous burning. Turkmenistan’s government announced that the massive blaze, located in the heart of the Karakum Desert, is now largely under control, marking a historic milestone in environmental and resource management efforts for the country. A Fiery Origin The story of the Darvaza Gas Crater began in 1971 when Soviet scientists attempted to study and manage methane leaks in the desert. Digging into what they believed was a minor pocket of natural gas, they inadvertently pierced a massive underground gas field. When the drilling rig and associated equipment suddenly collapsed into the cavern below, toxic gases began escaping uncontrollably. To prevent the spread of noxious fumes, the team decided to ignite the methane, hoping it would burn out in a matter of days. They were wrong. Instead of a quick resolution, the crater transformed into the longest-burning man-made fire, its eerie yellow flames licking at the edges of the 200-meter-wide pit. Visible from miles away, the burning crater became a bizarre and otherworldly landmark, attracting adventurers, scientists, and tourists alike. From 'Gate to Hell' to 'Shining of Karakum' [caption id="attachment_32708" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] Image: TCA, Stephen M. Bland[/caption] Now officially named the 'Shining of Karakum,' the Darvaza Gas Crater has been both a source of national pride and a symbol of environmental mismanagement. The flames and the heat haze rising from the crater have drawn global attention, but they have also brought concerns. Methane seepage from the pit has been a major environmental issue, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, some locals living in the harsh desert environment have long argued that the crater should be extinguished, citing health risks and economic losses due to the wastage of valuable natural gas. A Turning Point in Fire Containment The efforts to extinguish the 'Gate to Hell' reached a decisive turning point in January 2022, when then-President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov ordered action to put out the flames, emphasizing the detrimental effects of the blaze on the environment and the squandered financial potential of the escaping gas. However, earlier attempts over the decades failed to curtail the inferno. This time, Turkmengaz, the state energy company, launched a sustained effort involving drilling additional wells around the crater to capture and divert the methane. According to Irina Luryeva, a director at Turkmengaz, these operations have significantly reduced the volume and intensity of the fire. “Whereas before, a massive glow from the blaze was visible for miles, today only faint combustion remains,” Luryeva stated. Independent satellite data confirmed the success, showing a threefold reduction in methane emissions from the site. Global Collaboration and Environmental Initiatives The containment of the Darvaza blaze is a result not just of national initiative but also of international collaboration. In March 2024, Turkmenistan partnered with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to address methane emissions comprehensively. The project included advanced monitoring technologies and strategies to manage methane leaks across...

Snow Leopard Conservation

Kyrgyzstan Takes the Lead in Global Snow Leopard Conservation Efforts

On June 5-6, the Kyrgyz resort city of Cholpon-Ata is hosting the 9th Steering Committee Meeting of the Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection Program (GSLEP). The meeting brings together environment ministers from all 12 snow leopard range countries, Afghanistan, Bhutan, China, India, Nepal, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, along with representatives from conservation organizations and international financial institutions. Their goal is to advance conservation and climate action efforts in Asia’s high mountain regions through GSLEP, an intergovernmental alliance founded in Bishkek in 2013. The snow leopard, classified as endangered, serves as a potent symbol of the ecological and cultural importance of Asia’s mountainous landscapes. Kyrgyzstan has long been at the forefront of international conservation efforts. At the 79th session of the UN General Assembly, the country spearheaded a resolution, supported by other range nations, designating October 23 as International Snow Leopard Day. The GSLEP Steering Committee convened in Cholpon-Ata to assess ongoing conservation initiatives and define future priorities to protect snow leopards and mountain ecosystems. [caption id="attachment_32684" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] Image: mnr.gov.kg[/caption] In his opening remarks, Kyrgyzstan’s Minister of Natural Resources, Ecology, and Technical Supervision, Meder Mashiev, said: “For us, the snow leopard is not just a species, it is part of our culture and identity. Its preservation is our common responsibility.” Mashiev highlighted the country's recent achievements in conservation, including the initiation of a national snow leopard census, the adoption of SMART monitoring tools, the creation of new protected areas, and the establishment of the Ak Ilbirs (Snow Leopard) Ecological Corridor, an approximately one million-hectare expanse in the northeastern Issyk-Kul region. This corridor connects the Khan-Tengri State Nature Park, the Sarychat-Eertash Nature Reserve, and the Naryn Nature Reserve, providing secure habitats for snow leopards and other endangered species while promoting sustainable resource management. In December 2023, President Sadyr Japarov signed a decree formally recognizing the snow leopard as a national symbol of Kyrgyzstan. In a welcome address to participants, President Japarov highlighted Kyrgyzstan’s pivotal role as a mountainous nation (over 90% of its territory consists of highlands) in safeguarding high-altitude ecosystems. He stressed that mountains are not only repositories of natural wealth but also engines for economic growth through green investments. However, he cautioned that these regions face growing threats from overgrazing, forest degradation, and climate change, especially in snow leopard habitats. President Japarov also called for strengthening GSLEP’s institutional capacity and expanding cross-border conservation initiatives with the support of global environmental funds.