11 May 2023 13:08

Kyrgyzstan plans to import 500 kWh of electricity from Russia in 2023

BISHKEK. May 11 (Interfax) - Kyrgyzstan plans to import 500 million kWh of electricity from Russia this year, Talaibek Baigaziev, chairman of the board of National Energy Holding, said at a press conference on Thursday.

"Another 300 million kWh is provided for next year for the first quarter. This is the first time we have agreed on imports from Russia," Baigaziev said.

He also said that the largest volume of imports this year is expected from Turkmenistan. About 1.6 billion kWh. In January-April 2023, 600 million kWh were supplied from Kazakhstan. He did not disclose the cost of these supplies, calling it a commercial secret. At the same time, Baigaziev noted that with the growth of domestic electricity consumption, Kyrgyzstan might agree to increase its imports.

"Last year, we had a deficit of about 2.5 billion kWh. We lacked our own generation. Previously, consumption in the republic was 12 billion kWh per year with generation of 14 billion kWh. In high-water periods, we could export the surplus "Now domestic consumption has grown, last year it reached 16 billion kWh. This year we are planning about 17 billion kWh. We have a shortage of electricity. Therefore, we have concluded contracts for imports from Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, "Russia and the transit of electricity through Uzbekistan. In addition, there are agreements on the exchange of goods. When we do not have enough electricity in the winter, we take from the energy system of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. And in the summer, when we have an influx of water, we return the electricity," Baigaziev said. .

Earlier it was reported that, on April 15, Inter RAO had begun supplying electricity from the UES of Russia to the energy system of Kyrgyzstan in transit through Kazakhstan. Total planned supply for the period from April 2023 to March 2024 is about 900 million kWh.