Electricity in Kyrgyzstan in 2024
As of 2024, Kyrgyzstan's electricity consumption presents a unique profile dominated by low-carbon energy sources. More than two-thirds of the country's electricity comes from hydropower, which accounts for a significant 67.6% of the total consumption. This positions Kyrgyzstan favorably in terms of low-carbon electricity generation, allowing it to maintain a relatively environmentally friendly energy mix. Aside from hydropower, Kyrgyzstan also relies on net imports, constituting nearly a fifth of its electricity supply. Fossil fuels, primarily coal, form a smaller portion of the energy mix, contributing slightly over 12% of the electricity consumed. Such a pattern underscores Kyrgyzstan's significant reliance on clean energy while highlighting areas for further development in reducing fossil fuel use even further.
Suggestions
To bolster its low-carbon electricity generation further, Kyrgyzstan could diversify its energy portfolio by considering the successful integration of nuclear and wind power, as seen in countries with similar characteristics. For instance, Armenia and South Korea generate approximately 30% of their electricity from nuclear energy, showcasing the potential benefits of investing in nuclear infrastructure. Moreover, introducing wind energy into the mix could be beneficial as well. Denmark exemplifies success with wind energy, generating more than half of its electricity from this sustainable source. By adopting similar strategies and leveraging the benefits of nuclear and wind energy, Kyrgyzstan can reduce its dependence on fossil fuels, enhance energy security, and sustain environmentally responsible growth.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity in Kyrgyzstan primarily revolves around the fluctuations in hydropower generation over the years. During the 1990s, the country experienced various shifts, with notable increases observed in several years, such as 1994 and 1999, each yielding an increase of over 2 TWh. However, some setbacks occurred, including declines in 1992, 1997, and 1998, each reducing output by approximately 1 TWh. The first decade of the 2000s followed a similar trend, with intermittent growth and declines, albeit with a notable increase in 2003 of nearly 3 TWh. The following decade saw continued fluctuations, highlighting a prominent increase in 2011 by 3 TWh, balanced by subsequent decreases in the years that followed. Most recently, in 2024, hydropower production increased by 2.4 TWh, suggesting a gradual but positive development in Kyrgyzstan's commitment to low-carbon electricity generation. This historical perspective underscores the urgent need for introducing diverse low-carbon solutions to stabilize and enhance the reliability of electricity generation in the country.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.