Electricity in Kyrgyzstan in 2022

In 2022, Kyrgyzstan generated approximately 12 TWh of low-carbon electricity, entirely from hydropower. This formed the majority of its electricity generation, with an additional 2.35 TWh imported and a smaller share of 1.95 TWh produced from fossil fuels. Specifically, coal contributed about 1.76 TWh to the fossil energy mix. The per capita electricity generation in Kyrgyzstan is significantly lower than the global average of 432 watts per person. This disparity can lead to various challenges including limited access to electricity, which can hinder economic development and reduce the quality of life for Kyrgyz citizens.

Suggestions

To increase low-carbon electricity generation, Kyrgyzstan can explore the potential of solar and wind energy, taking lessons from successful models in other countries. For example, India, which has similar socio-economic conditions and receives ample sunlight, generated 113 TWh from solar energy in 2022. Alongside this, wind energy could also be a viable option; countries like Brazil have successfully tapped into wind power, generating 96 TWh. Learning from these examples, Kyrgyzstan can diversify its clean energy portfolio beyond hydropower, leveraging its geographic and climatic advantages to harness solar and wind energy effectively.

History

Historically, the low-carbon electricity landscape in Kyrgyzstan has seen fluctuations, primarily due to changes in hydropower generation. In the 1990s, there were significant ups and downs, such as a drop of 0.9 TWh in 1992 followed by a rise of 2.6 TWh in 1994. The early 2000s also saw mixed results, with a notable increase of 2.7 TWh in 2003, contrasted by declines in subsequent years, such as a decrease of 1.2 TWh in 2005. The pattern continued into the last decade, with significant variances including a rise of 3 TWh in 2011 and a drop of 2.2 TWh in 2015. More recently, 2022 witnessed a reduction of 1.1 TWh in hydropower generation. These fluctuations highlight the need for Kyrgyzstan to stabilize and diversify its low-carbon energy sources to ensure a more consistent supply of electricity.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources