Small HPP launched in Kyrgyzstan's Chui Oblast

Bishkek, Oct. 14, 2021 . / Kabar / . Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov took part in the commissioning of the Sokuluk HPP-2 in Sokuluk region of Chui Oblast, his press service reported Thursday.

The Kyrgyz leader inspected the main facilities and got acquainted with the equipment and the operation of the hydropower plant.

In his speech, Zhaparov stressed that energy is one of the main directions of his policy, and therefore, special attention is paid to this sphere.

The president spoke about a number of measures to achieve stability and eliminate bureaucratic barriers in the energy system, in particular, a new medium-term tariff policy was adopted, land allocation procedures were simplified, VAT for import of energy equipment for renewable energy installations was abolished, cooperation mechanisms between the state and potential investors were developed, including exemption from licensing for renewable energy activities and extension of benefits up to 15 years.

He noted that actions have been taken to implement the announced initiatives.

Thus, in August, a capsule was laid for the construction of the Bala Saruu small hydropower plant in Talas Oblast, which will produce about 100 million kWh of electricity per year, providing 20 percent of the region's electricity needs.

The design and construction of a small hydropower plant at the Orto-Tokoi reservoir in Issyk-Kul Oblast is underway. Construction of the Kara-Kul HPP in Jalal-Abad Oblast will also begin soon. These projects will be implemented under public-private partnership mechanism. Since March this year, more than 20 companies have expressed their willingness to build small hydro-power stations and obtained the relevant certificates. At present, the country has 10 small hydro-power stations with a total capacity of 54MW, generating more than 200m kWh of energy annually. However, the amount of this generation is not enough to cover the 3 billion kWh power deficit.

President Zhaparov urged local and all interested investors to invest in the development of Kyrgyzstan's energy sector, noting that all conditions were created for this.

Sokuluk HPP-2 was first put into operation in 1960, but after the collapse of the Soviet Union, it was mothballed and only after an inspection of the plant in 2007, it was found that the main hydro-power and electrical equipment, as well as hydraulic structures and the HPP building were dismantled and partially destroyed, which required complete reconstruction for its launch.