Energy Security - The Times Of Central Asia

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Kyrgyzstan Boosts Energy Capacity with Hydropower Plant Upgrade

On December 30, Kyrgyzstan marked a significant milestone by commissioning the modernized hydroelectric generating unit No. 4 at the Uch-Kurgan Hydropower Plant (HPP). This upgrade is a critical step in addressing the country’s chronic electricity shortages, particularly acute during the harsh winter months. The modernization increased the generating capacity of unit No. 4 by 20%. The project, which began in March 2024, was implemented by the China National Electric Engineering Company (CNEEC). Work on hydroelectric generating unit No. 3 is scheduled to begin in 2025. Upon completion of the overall modernization project, the operational lifespan of the Uch-Kurgan HPP will be extended by 25–30 years. The Uch-Kurgan HPP, situated on the Naryn River near Shamaldy-Sai in the Jalal-Abad region, plays a vital role in Kyrgyzstan’s energy supply. Its reservoir has a total capacity of 52.5 million cubic meters. Before reconstruction, the plant's total capacity stood at 180 MW, with four hydroelectric units producing 45 MW each. Operating since 1962, the plant had not undergone any major upgrades until now. Kyrgyzstan is actively upgrading its hydropower infrastructure to enhance energy production. On November 19, 2024, the country launched the modernized hydroelectric generating unit No. 1 at the Toktogul HPP, its largest power facility. The upgrade increased the unit’s capacity by 60 MW, raising the Toktogul HPP’s total capacity to 1,260 MW from its previous 1,200 MW. The Toktogul HPP currently provides approximately 40% of Kyrgyzstan's electricity. In addition to modernization projects, Kyrgyzstan is constructing the flagship Kambarata-1 Hydropower Plant, which will have a projected capacity of 1,860 MW and an average annual generation of 5.6 billion kilowatt-hours. Upon completion, Kambarata-1 will become the country’s largest hydropower plant and is expected to eliminate Kyrgyzstan's electricity shortages. These developments reflect the country’s commitment to expanding its energy capacity, ensuring sustainable power supplies, and meeting the growing demands of its population and industries.

Energy Security NPP Nuclear Energy Atomic Energy

Kazakhstan Plans to Accelerate Construction of First Nuclear Power Plant

Kazakhstan’s Energy Minister, Almasadam Satkaliyev, has announced that the selection of a contractor for the country’s first nuclear power plant (NPP) will be finalized in the first half of 2025. The government is awaiting proposals from bidders that focus on shortening construction timelines and reducing project costs. This follows President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's directive to expedite the implementation of the nuclear power plant project. “The commission will do everything possible to advance this process and make a decision on the contractor in the first half of 2025,” Satkaliyev told reporters. The shortlist for the potential builders includes four companies: China’s CNNC, Russia’s Rosatom, South Korea’s KHNP, and France’s EDF. Kazakh authorities have also indicated that a consortium involving multiple countries might be formed to leverage diverse technological solutions. Deputy Prime Minister Roman Sklyar highlighted the benefits of such collaboration, where different countries could contribute specific components, such as nuclear islands, turbines, or distribution systems. Satkaliyev emphasized the need for faster construction solutions, citing a precedent where China’s national nuclear company built a power unit in Pakistan in six years. “In today’s world, there are possibilities for expedited solutions,” he stated. Kazakhstan previously projected a 10-year timeline for constructing the NPP. However, the country is expected to face a 2.4 gigawatt energy deficit by 2035, underscoring the urgency of completing the project. The energy minister noted that the process from construction to the launch of the first unit could take up to 14 years, making accelerated timelines crucial. The Times of Central Asia previously reported on the results of a referendum held on October 6, which showed that 71.12% of voters approved the construction of a nuclear power plant in the Almaty region. The accelerated development of the NPP reflects Kazakhstan’s commitment to addressing its future energy needs while integrating advanced international technologies and solutions.

Wind power Green Energy Rosatom Renewable Energy Generation Energy Security

Rosatom to Build 100 MW Wind Farm in Kyrgyzstan

Rosatom Renewable Energy, the wind power division of Russia’s State Atomic Energy Corporation Rosatom, has signed an investment agreement with Kyrgyzstan’s Cabinet of Ministers to construct and operate a 100 MW wind farm in Kok-Moinok village, located in the Issyk-Kul region The agreement was formalized by Taalaibek Ibraev, Kyrgyzstan’s Minister of Energy; Grigory Nazarov, Director General of Rosatom Renewable Energy; and Dmitry Andreyev, Director General of NovaWind Kyrgyzstan, LLC. The project represents Rosatom’s first export initiative in wind power generation. A ceremonial milestone was reached in September 2024 with the laying of a time capsule at the site of the future wind farm. Design and survey work, along with equipment procurement, is slated to begin in 2025. Rosatom's Broader Role in Kyrgyzstan Rosatom has been actively advancing strategic energy projects in Kyrgyzstan. In January 2022, the company and Kyrgyzstan’s Ministry of Energy signed a memorandum of cooperation to construct low-power nuclear power plants based on the RITM-200N reactor. Additionally, Rosatom is contributing to the development of Kyrgyzstan’s hydroelectric capacity, including the construction of the Leilek HPP (5.9 MW), Jerooy HPP (28 MW), and Chandalash HPP (30 MW). These efforts reflect the company’s diversified approach to strengthening the country's energy sector. Kyrgyzstan continues to face electricity shortages, particularly during the harsh winter months. To tackle this issue, the country is investing in a mix of renewable energy projects, including solar and wind farms, as well as large hydroelectric power plants. Rosatom’s 100 MW wind farm in Kok-Moinok is expected to play a significant role in diversifying Kyrgyzstan’s energy sources and enhancing energy security.

Energy Government Electricity supply Energy Security

Kyrgyz Authorities Tighten Control Over Energy Resource Usage

Kyrgyzstan has enacted a new law mandating efficient and rational use of energy resources across all enterprises, both state-owned and private. The law establishes a dedicated government body tasked with inspecting organizations, enterprises, and buildings to ensure compliance with energy efficiency standards, regardless of ownership. This legislation, previously approved by parliament, assigns local state administrations and municipal authorities the responsibility of ensuring energy efficiency in buildings under their jurisdiction. This includes the adoption of highly efficient energy-consuming devices and equipment. The new law also requires authorities to provide consumers with metering devices for electricity, natural gas, and heat energy. These devices are to be installed in facilities where they are currently absent, allowing for more accurate monitoring and management of energy consumption. Kyrgyzstan continues to face an electricity deficit of 3.9 billion kilowatt-hours, exacerbated by economic growth, increased industrial activity, and rising energy demand. Despite ongoing efforts, such as the construction of new hydroelectric power plants and importing electricity from neighboring countries, the shortage persists. This has resulted in rolling blackouts across nearly all regions during winter months. As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, these shortages highlight the urgency of implementing measures to conserve energy. President Sadyr Japarov has criticized citizens for their lack of responsibility in conserving natural resources. He expressed optimism that the new law would encourage greater accountability and help reduce electricity and heat consumption. By emphasizing energy efficiency and resource management, Kyrgyzstan aims to address its energy challenges while promoting sustainable development.

Energy Afghanistan Electricity supply Economic Cooperation Energy Security

Afghanistan Extends Electricity Import Agreement with Uzbekistan Until 2025

Afghanistan’s state-owned power company, Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat (DABS), has extended its electricity import agreement with Uzbekistan through the end of 2025. The agreement was signed in Uzbekistan by Abdul Bari Umar, the Taliban’s acting head of DABS, and representatives from the National Electricity Company of Uzbekistan. This extension is vital for Afghanistan, where unreliable electricity continues to affect millions of people. According to the Ministry of Energy and Water under Taliban control, the country requires 1,500 megawatts of electricity. Of this, approximately 720 megawatts are imported, while the remainder is generated domestically. Afghanistan remains heavily reliant on neighboring countries for power due to its limited domestic production capacity. Residents of Kabul and other regions frequently endure prolonged outages, fueling public frustration over the lack of a consistent power supply. In recent months, DABS reported disruptions in electricity imports from Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, leaving many areas without power. The outages were attributed to technical issues on the Uzbek side and storm-related problems in Turkmenistan. Both issues have since been resolved, and electricity transmission to Afghanistan has been restored. The extended agreement with Uzbekistan represents a critical step in addressing Afghanistan’s energy needs, though long-term solutions to bolster domestic electricity production remain essential.

Environmental Awareness Rogun HPP Renewable Energy Generation Energy Security

Rivers Without Boundaries Coalition Criticizes Rogun HPP Plans

Rivers Without Boundaries, an international environmental organization, has released a detailed report analyzing alternative strategies for completing the Rogun Hydroelectric Power Plant (HPP) in Tajikistan. This report has been submitted for review to the World Bank Board of Directors. The report highlights the importance of exploring alternative energy development options in Tajikistan before committing to the $6.4 billion Rogun HPP project. The coalition advocates for solutions that minimize environmental and social risks while maximizing long-term benefits for the region. Environmentalists caution that even if the World Bank approves the construction of the world's tallest dam, standing at 335 meters, many of Tajikistan's pressing challenges will remain unresolved. Persistent electricity shortages, for example, are projected to continue until at least 2036, despite the project’s completion. Additionally, the project poses significant threats to the UNESCO-listed Tigrovaya Balka Nature Reserve and the endangered shovelnose sturgeon in the Vakhsh River. Agricultural disruption is another major concern, as over seven million people across Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Afghanistan risk losing access to vital water resources for farming. The coalition proposes an alternative approach that combines a smaller Rogun HPP with the development of solar power plants. By reducing the dam’s height by 70 meters, the plan could substantially lower economic, social, and environmental risks. This modified strategy offers several benefits, including reducing the number of displaced residents from 40,000 to roughly 13,000. Moreover, integrating solar energy into the energy mix could enable Tajikistan to meet its winter electricity demands by 2030–31 while enhancing resilience to climate change. Diversifying the energy sector would also mitigate long-term economic vulnerabilities. Previously, Rivers Without Boundaries published a report titled “Rogun Hydroelectric Power Plant Project: Non-Compliance Report with World Bank Requirements,” which detailed how the Rogun HPP project violates the World Bank’s environmental and social standards in six critical areas: environmental assessment, biodiversity protection, resource efficiency, dam safety, public participation, and forced displacement. The coalition calls on the World Bank and Tajik authorities to consider alternative solutions that align energy development with environmental sustainability and social responsibility, ensuring a balanced and equitable approach to the region’s energy needs.