Electricity supply - The Times Of Central Asia

Viewing results 1 - 6 of 18

At Start of Winter Freeze, Kyrgyzstan’s Electricity Demand Hits Record High

Kyrgyzstan’s Ministry of Energy reported a record-breaking electricity consumption of 3,612 MW on December 12, with daily usage reaching 78.931 million kWh, the highest in the country’s history. The rise in electricity usage is attributed to low temperatures across the country, as residents rely heavily on electric heating. This figure surpasses the previous record set on December 14, 2022, when electricity consumption reached 3,401 MW or 73.370 million kWh. According to the Ministry, the surge in consumption has overloaded grid equipment in certain areas. To prevent failures, power distribution companies are switching users to alternative feeders, causing temporary outages of one to two hours. Without such measures, critical equipment could fail. For example, a 220 kV transformer with a capacity of 250 MW costs $1.5 million and requires 150 days for manufacturing and delivery, followed by one to one and a half months for installation. To alleviate this strain, the Ministry has called on citizens to conserve electricity wherever possible. The Toktogul Hydroelectric Power Plant (HPP), Kyrgyzstan’s largest, is currently operating at its maximum generating capacity of 1,260 MW, with a daily output of 27.528 million kWh. Located on the Naryn River, the plant supplies approximately 40 percent of the country’s electricity. The Toktogul reservoir began the winter season with a water volume of 13.257 billion cubic meters, 1.5 billion more than the previous year. However, due to the recent surge in electricity usage, more than 1 billion cubic meters of this surplus have already been consumed. As of December 12, the reservoir held 12.234 billion cubic meters of water. The Ministry of Energy warns that if current consumption levels persist, the reservoir could drop to 6.2 billion cubic meters by April 1, 2025 — close to the critical or “dead” level of 5.5 billion cubic meters, at which point the plant would no longer be able to generate electricity. The Ministry continues to urge the public to use electricity sparingly to avoid this outcome.

Electricity supply Energy EBRD International investment Repair and Reconstruction Investment Projects Energy Infrastructure

Kazakhstan’s Power Grid Revamp Secures €267 Million Backing from EBRD and Canada

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has announced a €267 million financing package for the Kazakhstan Electricity Grid Operating Company (KEGOC) to enhance the reliability of the country’s power supply system. The funding comprises a €252 million EBRD loan and a €15 million concessional loan from the Government of Canada. The financial support will enable KEGOC, which oversees more than 27,800 kilometers of overhead transmission lines, to construct approximately 600 kilometers of 500 kV transmission infrastructure. This will facilitate the integration of the West Kazakhstan Power System into the country’s Unified Power System. The initiative is part of the EBRD’s broader efforts to assist Kazakhstan in implementing its long-term decarbonization strategy, aimed at achieving carbon neutrality in the power sector by 2060. It will improve the electricity supply for residents in western Kazakhstan and enable the integration of up to 12 GW of renewable energy capacity nationwide by 2030. Currently, Kazakhstan’s power grid is divided into three separate systems. While the EBRD connected the northern and southern grids in 2004, the West Kazakhstan Power System remains isolated. The project includes the construction of the 500 kV Karabatan-Ulke power line along the Atyrau-Aktobe motorway, the 500 kV Karabatan substation, and the expansion of the switchyards at the Karabatan (220 kV) and Ulke (500 kV) substations. These upgrades will strengthen domestic interconnections and enhance power supply reliability in western Kazakhstan. In addition to infrastructure improvements, the project is expected to reduce annual CO2 emissions by over 200,000 tons. It is supported by grant funding from the Government of Japan. The EBRD will also provide KEGOC with technical assistance, including piloting digital technologies within the grid, bolstering the system’s resilience to potential cyberattacks, and introducing gender-responsive training programs.

Electricity supply Loans & Grants Hydropower HPP Energy Infrastructure

Kyrgyzstan’s Largest Hydropower Plant Boosts Generating Capacity

On November 19, Kyrgyzstan launched the modernized hydroelectric generating unit No. 1 at the Toktogul Hydroelectric Power Plant (HPP), the country’s largest power facility. Located on the Naryn River, the Toktogul HPP generates approximately 40% of Kyrgyzstan’s electricity. The modernization of hydroelectric unit No. 1 began in March 2024 and has increased its generating capacity by 60 MW. Prior to this upgrade, the Toktogul HPP had a total capacity of 1,200 MW, with each of its four units producing 300 MW. Two units had already been upgraded in previous phases, collectively adding 120 MW to the plant's total capacity. The reconstruction of the fourth and final hydroelectric unit is scheduled for 2025. Once the modernization project is complete, Toktogul HPP will gain an additional 240 MW of generating capacity, extending its service life by 25–30 years. The $210 million rehabilitation project is funded by a $110 million loan from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and $100 million from the Eurasian Fund for Stabilization and Development (EFSD). With a total volume of 19.5 billion cubic meters, the Toktogul HPP reservoir plays a dual role in meeting Kyrgyzstan's energy demands and providing essential irrigation water to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. During the winter, increased water releases are used to generate electricity for Kyrgyzstan, while summer releases support irrigation for southern Kazakhstan’s dry regions. As of November 19, 2024, the Toktogul reservoir contained 12.991 billion cubic meters of water, compared to 11.694 billion cubic meters on the same date in 2023. The reservoir currently receives 246 cubic meters of water per second and releases 488 cubic meters per second. Despite this year’s higher water levels, Kyrgyzstan continues to face electricity shortages, according to Energy Minister Taalaibek Ibrayev. Toktogul HPP's modernization and efficient management of water resources remain critical to addressing these challenges and ensuring regional energy and water security.

EU Energy Infrastructure Economic Cooperation Electricity supply Export/Import Energy

Uzbekistan Aims to Export 10-15 Billion kWh of Electricity to Europe by 2030

Uzbekistan plans to export 10-15 billion kWh of electricity abroad by 2030, according to Deputy Minister of Energy Umid Mamadaminov, who discussed the initiative in an interview on November 6 during the “Days of European Economy in Uzbekistan” forum. “In 2030, electricity demand is projected to be around 120-125 billion kWh. Our generation capacity will reach approximately 135 billion kWh. Once the necessary infrastructure is ready, we’ll be able to export electricity to Europe,” Mamadaminov explained. At a meeting in Astana in August, Uzbekistan outlined plans to start exporting surplus electricity to Europe by 2030. Energy Minister Jurabek Mirzamahmudov noted that if the joint project with Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan to lay a cable under the Caspian Sea is successful, Uzbekistan will be able to transmit excess energy to Europe. Mirzamahmudov said that renewable energy capacity would exceed 4 GW by the end of this year and is expected to reach over 20 GW by 2030, with 2-5 GW available for export. In the summer, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Azerbaijan agreed on a draft strategic partnership to develop and transmit green energy. The agreement includes terms for a preliminary feasibility study, which is being developed by the Italian company CESI. “We selected CESI to handle the project’s feasibility study,” Mamadaminov stated. “The study will take about a year and a half to complete, with an expected finish date by the end of 2025. Following this, construction will begin based on the study. The project requires around 2,500 km of HVDC (high-voltage direct current) cable, which will be costly—exceeding $2 billion.” Mamadaminov added that the electricity price will be market-driven but is expected to start at around 4-5 cents per kilowatt.

Nuclear power Russia Electricity supply Nuclear Referendum Energy Security

Kazakhstan’s Return to Nuclear Power: TCA in Association with American Foreign Policy Council Hosts Inaugural Burgut Expert Talk

On October 6 of this year, the people of Kazakhstan participated in a referendum to decide whether nuclear power should become a part of their daily lives, or whether the haunting legacy of atomic testing would continue to limit the country’s progress in this area. The official preliminary results, released on October 7, showed that 71.12% of participants agreed to the construction of a nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan with a voter turnout of 63.66%. President Tokayev’s goal in holding a referendum was to ensure that arguments in favor of nuclear energy were compelling, and that citizens, scientists, and government officials were involved in the decision-making process. Tokayev has since suggested that an “international consortium made up of global companies equipped with cutting-edge technologies” should be involved in the project. In partnership with the American Foreign Policy Council, on October 30, 2024, The Times of Central Asia convened a virtual event to discuss what the referendum result means for energy security, geopolitics, and new business opportunities for both regional and global actors. Moderating this event was Mamuka Tsereteli, Senior Fellow for Eurasia at the American Foreign Policy Council, whilst the panel comprised Askar Alimzhanov, Senior Editor at The Times of Central Asia, Stephen M. Bland, Senior Editor and Head of Investigations at The Times of Central Asia, and James Walker, CEO and Head of Reactor Development at NANO Nuclear Energy. Focusing on a local perspective, Askar Alimzhanov told those in attendance that “Kazakhstan is in tough situation today regarding the issue of energy dependence. Because we have the largest nuclear test site in the world and during around 50 years there were just under 500 atomic tests, we all know about the possible consequence. As consumers, however, we’ve seen prices rise around 26% in one year. The population of the country is growing, so when we talk about the annual growth in energy consumption, this is a natural process. “Since the majority of voters have already made their decision, the main question which remains is who will build it? However, serious concerns persist within society including the fear of corruption, which can result in poor quality structures. As an example, we can talk about the light rail transportation network in Astana, which started in 2009 and still isn’t finished. The officials who stole the money, they still have those funds abroad.” [video width="1920" height="1080" mp4="https://timesca.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Burgut-Expert-Talk-Kazakhstans-Return-to-Nuclear-Power1.mp4"][/video] Speaking about energy dependence and geopolitical considerations, Stephen M. Bland noted that “Kazakhstan's energy landscape is characterized by a reliance on aging thermal power plants, which are increasingly unable to meet the demands of a growing population and economy, with electricity shortages projected to worsen, particularly in the rapidly developing southern regions. The construction of a nuclear power plant, therefore, is seen as a crucial step toward alleviating these shortages, reducing dependence on overpriced imports from Russia, and achieving carbon neutrality goals. “The construction of Kazakhstan's first nuclear power plant presents both challenges and opportunities for the country's energy independence and regional influence. On one hand, developing a robust nuclear energy sector could...

Energy Security HPP Electricity supply Power generation Energy

Despite High Water Levels in Kyrgyzstan’s Toktogul Reservoir, Electricity Shortages Persist

Despite an increase in water levels at Kyrgyzstan’s Toktogul hydroelectric power plant (HPP) reservoir this year, the country continues to face electricity shortages, Energy Minister Taalaibek Ibrayev said in an interview with Birinchi Radio. Located on the Naryn River, the Toktogul HPP is Kyrgyzstan’s largest power plant, providing around 40% of the country’s electricity. As of October 1, 2024, the water volume in the Toktogul reservoir reached 13.033 billion cubic meters, approximately 1.3 billion cubic meters more than the previous year. The reservoir currently receives 365 cubic meters of water per second while releasing 284 cubic meters per second for power generation. "Despite the increased water levels in 2024, we are still facing an electricity deficit of about 3.9 billion kilowatt-hours," Minister Ibrayev stated. To address the deficit, Kyrgyzstan is working to expand its energy capacity by building small and large hydroelectric plants. "In the past, small hydroelectric plants produced around 200-300 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually. This figure has now increased to 750 million kilowatt-hours," Ibrayev explained. He also noted that the country’s electricity consumption has risen by 400 million kilowatt-hours this year, driven by the launch of new industrial enterprises. According to the National Statistics Committee, Kyrgyzstan generated 13.8 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity in 2023, with hydropower plants accounting for approximately 87% of total electricity production. In 2023, Kyrgyzstan met 80% of its electricity demand, which totalled 17.2 billion kilowatt-hours. The remaining 20%, or 3.4 billion kilowatt-hours, was imported. To help reduce reliance on imports, an agreement was signed between Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan in May 2023 for the supply of 1.7 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity from Turkmenistan, starting on January 1, 2025.