Strengthening Power System Security in Kyrgyzstan: A Roadmap
Executive Summary
Kyrgyzstan's high dependence on hydropower makes it vulnerable to electricity shortages during periods of water scarcity. The power system is currently fragile and requires significant investments in generation and network infrastructure to improve operational reliability and ensure sufficient capacity to meet demand. Rapidly growing electricity demand, fueled by unsustainable low regulated electricity prices, exacerbates the issue, threatening to outpace domestic production capacity.
The government recognizes these challenges and has initiated various investment initiatives to address them. While policy responses have focused on long-term adequacy, there has been limited attention to immediate power system security challenges. Opportunities exist to implement a range of policies that can strengthen power system security in the short term, particularly during periods of water shortage.
A comprehensive and integrated policy framework is needed to enhance power sector reliability and resilience in Kyrgyzstan. This roadmap aims to achieve this by deploying a set of internationally proven and effective policy measures over the next decade. The goal is to improve power system security, especially during periods of water scarcity, by focusing on three strategic priorities:
- Improving Power System Operation and Management: Enhance the system operator's ability to manage significant losses of hydropower during sustained water shortages.
- Broadening and Deepening Supply-Side Capability: Increase the system's ability to respond to sustained hydrological events.
- Developing Complementary Demand-Side Capability: Create quick and effective demand-side measures that can be deployed during sustained hydrological events.
Key measures proposed to improve the system operator's capacity to manage significant losses of hydropower during sustained water shortages include:
- Upgrading operating practices.
- Improving coordination and communication among stakeholders.
- Implementing advanced forecasting and monitoring tools.
These efforts aim to ensure reliable and sustainable electricity services in Kyrgyzstan, particularly during periods of water scarcity.
