Energy Sector of Central Asia and the Kyrgyz Republic
With a population of about 80 million, the Central Asian region is expected to see a 40% increase in energy demand by 2030. The region's abundant water resources present significant potential to support its growth while fostering long-term sustainability.
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Energy sector of Central Asia
Main statistics
Energy Sources
Central Asia's energy sector is primarily based on coal, gas, and hydropower. Coal and gas account for around 75% of total energy generation mix.
Central Asia: Key Economic and Demographic Data
Population: 80 million Total GDP: US$500 billion GDP per capita: Ranges from $1,400 to over $13,000
Clean Energy and Ecology
National Goals:
Kyrgyz Republic: Full transition to renewable energy by 2050 and carbon neutrality by 2050.
Kazakhstan: Aims for 50% alternative energy sources by 2050 and carbon neutrality by 2060.
Uzbekistan: Aims for 40% renewable energy sources by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2050.
Regional Initiatives:
CASA-1000: A project designed to transport clean electricity from the Kyrgyz Republic and Tajikistan to South Asia.
CAPS: The Central Asian Power System which integrates the energy systems of the region for efficient energy exchange.
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Energy Sector of the Kyrgyz Republic
The Kyrgyz Republic’s energy landscape is predominantly anchored in hydropower, which fulfills around 80% of the nation's energy requirements. Meanwhile, only 13% of the country’s hydropower potential is currently utilized. A significant portion of the energy infrastructure is in urgent need of modernization, while the reliance on imported coal, gas, and petroleum products highlights the risks around energy security and need for substantial expansion of generation capacity predominantly through clean energy sources.
Population and Economy
Population: 7.25 million (2024)
GDP per capita (2023): $2,137
Total nominal GDP (2023): ~$15 billion
Energy Infrastructure
Transmission Lines: 7,500 km (110-550 kV)
Substations: 200 units (110-500 kV)
Distribution Networks: 59,700 km (0.4-35 kV)
Transformers: 23,915 units
Electricity Demand
Electricity demand peaks during the winter months, resulting in shortages and supply instability. The national strategy encompasses the development of the Kambarata-1 HPP to stabilize energy supply and reduce dependence on imports.
Key Reforms and Achievements in the Energy Sector
The Kyrgyz Republic is implementing a series of comprehensive reforms aimed at enhancing the resilience and efficiency of its energy sector:
National Energy Program until 2035: This includes sector expansion to meet the growing demand, priority energy and subsidy reforms, infrastructure modernization, and the introduction of an digital solutions for effective energy management.
Digitalization: The implementation of an Automated Commercial Metering System (ACMS) is set to be completed by 2028.
Measures to Reduce Losses: Efforts are underway to reduce technical and commercial losses and increase sector operational efficiency.
The establishment of the Green Energy Fund further supports renewable energy projects and the modernization of hydropower plants.