Kyrgyzstan is expanding its renewable energy projects by attracting international investors whilst modernising its existing hydropower infrastructure.
Most recently, the National Investment Agency of Kyrgyzstan and the Chinese company China Energy Engineering Investment discussed the implementation of renewable energy projects, including the possible construction of solar and wind power stations with a total capacity of up to 700 MW and an investment volume of up to $1 billion. At the same time, the country is developing cooperation with Turkey, Azerbaijan and other partners in the field of ‘green’ energy, seeking to diversify its generation mix and reduce the reliance on the traditional hydropower model.
Currently, around 90% of electricity generation in Kyrgyzstan is provided by hydropower, which remains the backbone of the national power system. However, high dependence on water resources creates seasonal constraints: generation volumes are directly linked to water inflow levels, which periodically necessitates additional electricity supplies from neighbouring countries.
Against this backdrop, the development of renewable energy is seen as an additional tool for enhancing the resilience of the power system. Unlike hydropower, solar and wind projects allow for the diversification of generation sources, although their integration also requires the development of grid infrastructure and balancing systems.
