In accordance with the agreements reached during the official visit of the minister of KR Temir Sariev in Tajikistan, as well as by order of the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic dated June 30, 2015 between Electric stations JSC and Barki Tojik Open Joint Stock Holding Company, the contract for the supply of electricity to Kyrgyzstan for an amount up to 500 mln kWh during the period June to September 2015 was concluded.

Energy usage in Kyrgyzstan

Electricity and coal are mostly used, especially by the poor.
Source: National Statical Comitee
(Click to enlarge)

Hydroelectric plants generate some 92.5% of Kyrgyz domestically consumed electricity, and three commercial thermoelectric plants are in operation. Because of its rich supply of hydroelectric power, Kyrgyzstan sends electricity to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan before in return for fossil fuels. The country has limited deposits of fossil fuels and most of natural gas imports come from Uzbekistan, with which Kyrgyzstan has had a series of imperfect barter agreements. More than 90% of electricity produced in the country is hydroelectric and the country could produce much more of such clean energy and export to its neighbours and the region. Even though Kyrgyzstan has abundant hydro resources, only less than 10% of its potential has been developed so far.

Per capita energy consumption is high considering average income, and the government has no comprehensive plan to reduce demand. Up to 45% of electricity generated, especially in winter time, is diverted illegally or leaks from the distribution system. A new hydroelectric plant on the Naryn River at Kambar-Ata would supply power to parts of China and Russia, improving Kyrgyzstan’s export situation and domestic energy supply. However, in 2006 that project, which would include one of the largest hydroelectric dams in the world, remained incomplete because of lack of investment. An antiquated infrastructure and poor management make Kyrgyzstan more dependent on foreign energy in winter when water levels are low.

Kyrgyzstan is a partner country of the EU INOGATE energy programme, which has four key topics: enhancing energy security, convergence of member state energy markets on the basis of EU internal energy market principles, supporting sustainable energy development, and attracting investment for energy projects of common and regional interest.