As of 2022, more than three-quarters of Kyrgyzstan's electricity generation comes from low-carbon sources, specifically hydropower, which constitutes 73.46% of the energy mix. This highlights the country's significant reliance on clean energy. In contrast, over a tenth of the electricity is derived from fossil fuels, with coal alone accounting for almost all of this category at 10.86%. An additional notable contributor is net imports, which supply about 14.51% of electricity. This landscape reflects Kyrgyzstan's commitment to primarily utilizing eco-friendly options, though a smaller segment still leans on fossil fuel sources.
To further increase its low-carbon electricity production, Kyrgyzstan can look to the successful examples set by other countries. For instance, Slovakia and Ukraine have significantly invested in nuclear energy, contributing around 60% and 55% of their respective electricity generation. These examples demonstrate the potential benefits of diversifying Kyrgyzstan's clean energy portfolio by considering nuclear energy alongside hydropower. Additionally, wind energy can be explored as demonstrated by Lithuania and Greece, where wind and solar play a growing role in their respective electricity mixes. By learning from these countries, Kyrgyzstan can reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and imports, thereby safeguarding energy security and minimizing environmental impact.
Historically, Kyrgyzstan's low-carbon electricity generation primarily through hydropower has experienced fluctuations. In the early 1990s, there was a decline followed by growth, notably a 2.6 TWh increase in 1994 and a 2.2 TWh boost in 1999. However, the late 1990s and early 2000s saw varying years of reductions and gains. For example, there were setbacks like a decrease of 2.6 TWh in 2008, but also recoveries such as a 3 TWh uptick in 2011. More recently, the years leading up to 2022 have shown a slight downward trend again, reflecting the ongoing challenges in maintaining consistent hydropower output. Despite these fluctuations, Kyrgyzstan has remained committed to a sustainable energy future by significantly integrating hydropower into its electricity system.