During the XII St. Petersburg International Gas Forum in 2023, a working session was conducted between Alexey Miller, the Chairman of the Board of Gazprom PJSC, and Taalaibek Ibraev, the Minister of Energy of Kyrgyzstan. Gazprom's press service reported this event.
The primary agenda of the meeting revolved around the readiness of Kyrgyzstan's gas transportation and distribution systems for the upcoming autumn and winter period. It was highlighted that Gazprom Kyrgyzstan had successfully executed all the essential technical preparations at its production facilities.
Alexey Miller and Taalaibek Ibraev formalized their discussions by signing a memorandum of cooperation aimed at fostering the growth of the gas sector within the Kyrgyz Republic.
This memorandum envisions a lasting partnership in the gas industry and explores the potential for collaboration in the field of electricity, as indicated by Gazprom.
Notably, Taalaibek Ibraev had been one of the speakers at the XII St. Petersburg International Gas Forum - 2023. During the forum, he revealed Gazprom PJSC's intentions to engage in oil and gas production in southern Kyrgyzstan. He also conveyed plans to transition the Bishkek thermal power plant to gas as early as the following year.
In his own words, "We have ambitious goals to enhance gas supply in our nation. Our thermal power plant in Bishkek generates two billion kilowatt-hours of electricity each year and has the capability to operate on gas. A similar station exists in the south. Gas supplies are provided by our neighbors, namely Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. So, it's only natural that when Central Asian gas flows are reinstated, and our neighbors seek additional quantities of natural gas, this would be advantageous for us. We have substantial projects on the horizon. In 2024, we plan to convert the Bishkek thermal power plant from coal to gas, which presents a promising endeavor."
Additionally, he emphasized the potential of the project with Kyrgyzneftegaz to deliver gas to the southern part of the country. Taalaibek Ibraev concluded, "When PJSC Gazprom invests in Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, it's also advantageous for us. At present, Kyrgyzstan's economy is experiencing growth, with energy consumption increasing by 10-12 percent annually. As a result, gas will naturally become a viable alternative to electricity."
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