Kyrgyzstan Turns to Alternative Energy to Address Power Deficit

Expanding the use of alternative energy sources is key to overcoming Kyrgyzstan’s persistent electricity shortages, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Bakyt Torobayev said during a meeting at the Ministry of Energy on March 27. Torobayev acknowledged the country’s chronic power deficit and underscored the need for investment in renewable energy development. “Increasing power generation is today’s top priority,” he stated. In response to the ongoing energy crisis, the Kyrgyz government declared a state of emergency in the energy sector from August 1, 2023, to December 31, 2026. The move was intended to accelerate emergency measures to counter the impacts of climate change, reduced water flows in the Naryn River, a major source of hydropower, rising energy demand, and limited generating capacity. Power Imports Fill the Gap Although Kyrgyzstan has the potential to generate 142 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) annually, current production stands at just 14 billion kWh, approximately 10% of its hydropower capacity. According to Energy Minister Taalaibek Ibrayev, the country currently generates 3,450 megawatts of electricity, while demand has risen to 3,600 megawatts. In 2024, Kyrgyzstan consumed 18.3 billion kWh, an increase of 1.1 billion kWh over the previous year. Hydropower plants accounted for 12.77 billion kWh, while coal-fired thermal plants produced 1.76 billion kWh. Small private hydropower plants added 156.2 million kWh, and solar installations contributed 0.17 million kWh. To close the gap, Kyrgyzstan imported 3.63 billion kWh of electricity in 2024, an increase of 141.7 million kWh from 2023. Expanding Generation Capacity To alleviate the crisis, the government has launched several major hydropower construction projects. The Ministry of Energy announced ongoing work to install a second hydroelectric unit at the Kambarata-2 Hydropower Plant (HPP). The plant is designed for three units with a combined capacity of 360 megawatts (120 MW each). Currently, only the first unit is operational. The addition of the second unit will significantly enhance the plant’s output. Meanwhile, construction has also begun on the much larger Kambarata-1 HPP on the Naryn River. When completed, it will become Kyrgyzstan’s largest hydropower facility, with a projected capacity of 1,860 megawatts and an expected annual output of 5.6 billion kWh, enough to substantially address the country’s energy shortfall. Embracing Solar and Wind As part of its energy diversification strategy, Kyrgyzstan has also initiated solar and wind energy projects. In 2024, the country began building a 400-megawatt solar power plant and a 100-megawatt wind farm, marking significant steps toward reducing reliance on imported electricity and fossil fuels.