Kyrgyzstan's current state of electricity consumption shows a strong reliance on clean energy sources, with more than three-quarters of its electricity generated from hydropower. This places the country in a commendable position regarding low-carbon energy, given that hydropower accounts for 77.86% of its electricity generation. Fossil fuels, primarily coal, contribute a little over 11%, while imports make up just over 10% of the total electricity consumption. This indicates that most of the electricity consumed in the country comes from low-carbon sources, which is beneficial in minimizing the impact on the environment and reducing the carbon footprint.
Data sources used on this page include Ember and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Kyrgyzstan?
Despite the significant share of clean electricity, it's worrying to see that overall electricity consumption in Kyrgyzstan has declined over the years. The latest consumption figure stands at 1099 kWh per person, which is a dramatic drop from the historic peak of 3528 kWh per person recorded in 1990. This decline of approximately two-thirds highlights a concerning trend of reduced electricity use over the decades, which might be attributed to various factors such as economic challenges or underinvestment in infrastructure. Additionally, low-carbon electricity generation per person is now recorded at 855 kWh, a decrease of around 1707 kWh from its peak in 1996, indicating a significant reduction in clean electricity growth.
Suggestions
To reverse this declining trend and boost low-carbon electricity generation, Kyrgyzstan can learn from countries like France and Slovakia, where nuclear energy contributes substantially to their low-carbon portfolios at rates of 70% and 66%, respectively. Additionally, regions like Nevada and California demonstrate the value of solar energy, producing 33% and 29% of their electricity from solar, showcasing how solar can become a vital component of Kyrgyzstan's energy mix. By following such examples, Kyrgyzstan can diversify its clean energy sources, thus ensuring a stable and green electricity supply that will sustain future growth and demand.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity in Kyrgyzstan, particularly hydropower, is marked by fluctuations over the decades. In the early 1990s, there were both some increases and notable declines, such as the reductions in 1992 and 1997. The early 2000s saw intermittent growth, with significant decreases in 2001 and 2002, followed by recovery phases, notably in 2003 and 2011. Unfortunately, since 2015, further downturns have persisted, culminating in another sharp drop in 2024, reflecting the urgent need for strategic initiatives to stabilize and grow low-carbon electricity production. By proactively expanding clean energy sources, particularly embracing solar and nuclear, Kyrgyzstan can align its electricity sector with the demands of the modern, connected, and electrified world.
