Head of National Energy Holding, ADB specialists discuss implementation of joint projects

Bishkek, Feb. 8, 2019. /Kabar/. Chairman of the Board of the National Energy Holding Company OJSC Azamat Abdykadyrov met the mission of the Asian Development Bank headed by energy expert Sohail Hasnie.

The press service of the company reported that during the meeting, the sides discussed implementation of joint projects in the field of hydropower and outlined further plans for restoration and modernization of a number of hydropower plants, improvement of supply network facilities and development of renewable energy sources.

In particular, Hasnie informed Abdykadyrov that, in accordance with the partnership strategy between Kyrgyzstan and ADB, the bank has a loan package for the energy sector for 2019.

Abdykadyrov, in turn, noted that the National Energy Holding is working to ensure the energy security of the country, to increase the efficiency of subsidiaries, to develop regions and to digitize production processes in the energy sector, within the framework of fulfilling the tasks set by the Government.

“The National Energy Holding also has the task of providing the population with uninterrupted power supply, improving and developing supply networks. In this regard, we are now working on the issue of electrification of remote residential areas, which, at present, cannot be connected to networks through poles and transformer substations,” Abdykadyrov said and suggested that ADB consider installing solar panels in these villages, as was done within the framework of the ADB pilot project in 2018. Sohail Hasnie expressed support for additional funding for the purchase of such facilities.

The issues of launching a pilot project for installing 10-20 MW solar panels in Issyk-Kul oblast to reduce the electricity shortage during the holiday season, as well as the acquisition of electric vehicles on a grant basis for the needs of subsidiaries, with the installation of all necessary infrastructure for their maintenance, were also considered.

In conclusion, an agreement was reached that the National Energy Holding would form a list of the most essential projects and, in the prescribed manner, submit them to the ADB for consideration for a joint study of their feasibility and relevance.