- For us, energy is not just a business, but a strategically important area for the country's development. We all notice how the demand for electricity has increased in recent years. Therefore, we decided that we should not rely solely on hydropower and that it is necessary to develop alternative sources. This is one of the most important steps towards ensuring energy security.
The choice of a wind power plant was not accidental for us — this sector has hardly been utilized in our country so far. The desire to be among the first in this new industry brought us many difficulties. First of all, there is a lack of a proper legal framework. We also faced problems with the technical connection of the station to the electrical grids, and at the initial stage, we encountered difficulties in allocating land plots and financing the expansion of the project.
We approached the resolution of these issues systematically, establishing cooperation with relevant ministries, companies, and investors. Every step was documented and carried out in accordance with established norms.
— At what stage is the project now? Is the construction of the station proceeding as planned?
- We conducted a test launch of the station that lasted 72 hours and successfully connected it to the national electrical grid. The tests, which were conducted under the supervision of energy oversight, were completed successfully.
Currently, special equipment for calculations has been installed at the station, and we are in the final stage of passing state standards. Despite the fact that the PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) has already been signed, we faced the necessity of undergoing additional licensing procedures. At the moment, we are actively working on their documentation.
This project has not only become experimental for us but has also provided valuable institutional experience. We saw how many documents and permits are needed to connect renewable energy facilities to the general grids. For example, a solar power plant requires about 15 documents, and a wind project requires roughly the same amount.
In the next stages, in addition to increasing productivity, I see the need to optimize procedures and reduce the number of documents. For the accelerated development of renewable energy sources, legislation must be modern and effective.
— What lessons from the experiences of other countries have helped you in addressing emerging problems?
- We studied not only successful projects but also the mistakes faced by other countries. At the moment, we are in the research phase, so the main conclusions will only become clear after the full launch of the project. There is no need to reinvent the wheel here — integrating successful experiences from other countries and adapting them to our conditions can significantly simplify the resolution of many issues.
— What are the prospects for renewable energy sources in Kyrgyzstan, including solar and wind energy? What changes can be expected in the next 5–10 years?
- Kyrgyzstan has significant potential in this area, both in wind and solar resources. Currently, the main focus is on hydropower. However, in the future, over the next 5–10 years, we can expect an increase in small and medium power generation, active installation of solar panels on roofs, the implementation of heat pumps, and the modernization of energy networks. If we manage to increase the share of renewable energy sources to 5–7 percent, it will be a significant achievement. I believe this is a strategically important direction.
— What advice would you give to Kyrgyz women?
- I would like to advise Kyrgyz women — do not set limits for yourselves. Do not be afraid to engage in science, finance, and engineering. If we want our country to develop, women must actively participate in all sectors of the economy. This requires long-term work and strict discipline.
