BISHKEK (24.kg news agency) – Kyrgyzstan exported 1.45 billion kWh of electricity to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. However, the republic faces transportation deficiency.

“Kyrgyzstan has a problem of electricity transportation, but not its production,” director general of National Electric Network JSC Medetbek Aitkulov said during yesterday’s TV show Point of View. According to him, 1.2 billion kWh of electricity at the price of 2.8 ¢ were exported to Kazakhstan, 251 million kWh at 3.38 ¢ – to Uzbekistan. “Export volume depends on water and energy situation. This year we have accumulated 17.5 billion m³ of water. That is why we sell less. Electricity demand of neighbouring republics is small. They are more interested in water. They are forced to buy it together with energy,” Abdylda Israilov explained.

According to him, most of electricity is produced in the south of the republic, but its demand is higher in the north. “Population’s demand reaches 2,0000 MW. Kyrgyzstan has Power Transmission Line 509 – Toktogul Hydroelectric Plant – Frunze that connects the south and the north. Its capacity is 1,000 MW. This is a maximum amount that we can carry on networks. The rest should be generated on-site, that is in the north. Bishkek Combined Heat and Power Plant’s generation comes up to 350 MW. Missing volumes should be transported through the networks of neighbouring countries,” Medetbek Aitkulov explained.

He noted that parallel operation of the Central Asian Energy System is very important for Kyrgyzstan. “Our power plants can generate enough electricity, but we can not transport it through our networks. Every year we have to negotiate with both Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan despite the fact that we work in a parallel format,” Mr. Aitkulov said.

He noted that the money received from export is accumulated in a special account and spent only for the purchase of fuel for Bishkek and Osh Combined Heat and Power Plants.

Kazakhstan repeatedly threatens its withdrawal from the energy network due to illegal taking of electricity by Uzbekistan.