Electricity in Kyrgyzstan in 2022

In 2022, Kyrgyzstan's electricity consumption was predominantly sourced from low-carbon energy, with hydropower contributing more than 73% of the total electricity generated, making it the cornerstone of the country's electricity supply. This reliance on hydropower is a positive indicator of Kyrgyzstan's commitment to clean energy. However, it also reflects a dependency on a single type of low-carbon energy. The electricity system is augmented by net imports, which accounted for nearly 15% of the total, while fossil fuels represented a smaller share at roughly 12%, with coal making up most of this category. The small reliance on fossil fuels is beneficial for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change impacts.

Suggestions

To further bolster its low-carbon electricity generation, Kyrgyzstan can learn from countries that have successfully integrated various types of clean energy. For instance, countries like Denmark and Uruguay have harnessed wind power significantly, reaching 61% and 36% of their electricity generation, respectively. These examples suggest that Kyrgyzstan could diversify its energy portfolio by exploring wind energy, given its geographical features that could potentially support wind farms. Additionally, countries such as France and Slovakia have leveraged nuclear power to cover a substantial portion of their electricity needs, at 67% and 60%, respectively, showcasing the potential for reliable baseload energy that Kyrgyzstan could also consider adopting.

History

Historically, Kyrgyzstan's reliance on hydropower has seen fluctuations. In the early to mid-1990s, hydropower generation fluctuated significantly, with notable decreases in 1992 and 1995 before increases in subsequent years such as 1994 and 1996. The late 1990s saw a continuation of this pattern with both significant increases and decreases. The early 2000s were marked by declines, but recovery occurred in the mid-2010s. However, recent years have seen declines, including in 2021 and 2022. This volatility underscores the vulnerability associated with depending on a single low-carbon energy source, reinforcing the importance of diversifying with technologies such as wind, solar, and potentially nuclear, to provide a more stable and resilient electricity supply.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources