First 100 MW solar power plant launched in Kyrgyzstan

BISHKEK. Dec 24 (Interfax) - A 100 MW solar power plant has been commissioned in the Kemin district of Kyrgyzstan's Chui region, with the cost of the facility totaling $56 million, the country's presidential press service said.

According to media information, the project was implemented with the participation of a Chinese investor.

This is the country's first solar power plant. It will generate around 210 million kWh of electricity per year, which is equivalent to a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions of 120,000 tonnes. The annual output of the plant will be sufficient to cover the needs of one district, the press service said.

"The opening of the solar power plant is the beginning of an important stage in strengthening our country's energy independence and developing renewable energy sources. We have come to understand that without the active development of renewables, it is impossible to fully provide the population and economic entities with a stable electricity supply," the press service quoted Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov as saying. Japarov took part in the plant's commissioning ceremony.

Currently, 12 agreements on constructing solar and wind power plants with a total capacity of over 5 GW have been signed between the Kyrgyz government and investors.