The problem of energy supplies becomes more acute every year in Kyrgyzstan. Despite the country having considerable untapped renewable energy potential, only 1% of the installed power generation capacity is based on renewable energy technologies. Among all sources, solar power has the largest potential, estimated at 267 GW while wind energy and small-hydro power have the potential of 1500 MW and 1800 MW, respectively.

In the western part of the Issyk-Kul region, not far from Balykchy, the Ecowind wind park totalling 200 MW is currently being built. This will be the first industrial wind farm in Kyrgyzstan, which will become a breakthrough not only in the energy sector but also in the country’s economy.

It is planned that the wind park will cover not only the needs of households located in the Issyk-Kul region – the energy will be also partly exported. The construction of the wind park will have an impact on the further socio-economic development of the region and will contribute to the fulfilment of the international obligations of Kyrgyzstan to the reduction of CO2 emissions under the UN Convention on Climate Change.

Adding wind power to the energy mix will enable the diversification of the national energy portfolio, stabilisation of electricity costs, independence from hydroelectricity as well as resilience to price spikes and supply disruptions.

The project is currently realised and operated by Kyrgyz Wind System. The company has started the project with its own funds. Further, it is planned to attract loan funds. The company is also going to attract investors and currently negotiating with investment companies from Saudi Arabia, Turkey and China.

Sources:

https://www.investinnet.com/the-first-wind-project-is-being-realised-in-kyrgyzstan-the-country-moves-to-res-and-seeks-investors/

Photo by Tobias Reich on Unsplash