Kyrgyzstan is embarking on a transformative journey towards embracing nuclear energy to bolster its electricity production capabilities. Deputy Energy Minister Taalaibek Baigaziev revealed this plan during the ATOMEXPO-2024 forum held in Sochi, Russia.
Baigaziev stressed that Kyrgyzstan's foray into nuclear energy would be a gradual process, necessitating meticulous planning and consideration, particularly regarding the existing network infrastructure. This cautious approach underscores the country's commitment to ensuring the safe and sustainable integration of nuclear power into its energy portfolio.
The decision to pursue nuclear energy comes against the backdrop of Kyrgyzstan's heavy reliance on electricity imports from neighboring Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, and Russia. In 2023 alone, the country imported 3.4 bn kWh of electricity, primarily driven by the strain on transportation networks, particularly during the harsh winter months.
To reduce its dependence on imports and enhance energy security, Kyrgyzstan has charted a strategic course focused on bolstering internal capacities through the development of renewable energy sources. Plans are underway to establish a baseline generation capacity of 100–300 MW, with an emphasis on harnessing wind energy as part of this endeavor.
The groundwork for Kyrgyzstan's nuclear ambitions was laid in 2022 when the Ministry of Energy inked a memorandum of cooperation with Rosatom, Russia's state atomic energy corporation, to construct a small nuclear power plant featuring the innovative RITM-200 reactor. Subsequently, the initiative expanded to include the potential construction of multiple small-scale nuclear power stations, each boasting a capacity of 55 megawatts.
In tandem with its nuclear aspirations, Kyrgyzstan is accelerating efforts to tap into its abundant hydroelectric potential. The government aims to activate 17 hydroelectric power stations (HPS) by 2026, with targeted commissioning of at least 50 MW of new capacity in 2024 and 62 MW in 2026. This comprehensive strategy encompasses both major and minor hydroelectric facilities, further diversifying the country's energy mix.
Moreover, Kyrgyzstan is poised to ramp up its renewable energy capacity through the deployment of solar and wind power stations. Over the next two years, the country plans to introduce an additional capacity of 6,450 MW from these sources, with an estimated 13 stations slated to commence operations during the specified period.
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