Kyrgyzstan boasts approximately 70 coal deposits, with total reserves estimated at a staggering 24bn tons, of which around 2.3bn tons have been explored, the International Energy Agency (IEA) reports. The government aims to significantly increase coal production, targeting 3mn tons by 2025. Growth will come from a 30% increase in the existing mines of Kara‑Keche, Besh-Burhan, Zhergalan, Sulukta and Tash-Kumyr. This growth is driven by efforts to reduce coal imports, promote decentralized heating, and minimize household electricity use for heating.
"The coal industry in Kyrgyzstan is one of prosperous in Central Asia", said mining engineer Omurbek Kasybekov.
Kasybekov mentioned that during a visit by foreign investors to Kyrgyzstan, a British company expressed its readiness to modernize all coal enterprises if they were granted the Kumtor project.
Despite its vast potential, Kyrgyzstan faces challenges due to an inefficient network of coal producers, which leads to high prices and necessitates substantial coal imports. Additionally, existing mining equipment is outdated and in poor condition, hindering effective operation.
While hydropower remains the primary energy source, coal plays a crucial role in Kyrgyzstan’s energy mix. During winter months, when hydropower production is low, the country relies on oil and gas imports for over half of its energy needs.
Kyrgyzstan is part of the Central Asian Power System, connecting it with Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kazakhstan. To enhance energy security and reduce reliance on imports, projects like the Central Asia-South Asia power project (CASA-1000) are vital. This project aims to supply electricity to Afghanistan and Pakistan by linking Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, and it could indirectly support the coal industry by providing a more stable and integrated regional energy framework.
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