Energy expert Ernest Karybekov shared his opinion with IA "Kabar" on the state of Kyrgyzstan's strategic reservoir at the end of the heating season. He noted that, despite the absence of serious disruptions in the system's operation, it is necessary to increase the resilience of the energy system. This will help avoid balancing on the brink of the critical level of the Toktogul Reservoir.
According to forecasts, by April 1, the volume of the Toktogul Reservoir will be 6.8 billion cubic meters. Although this figure is not optimal, it is still better than in previous years. Karybekov added that the existing reserve allows for the completion of the heating season without significant problems.
Intense precipitation is expected in March, and although there was insufficient snow in the mountains of the Chui Valley, winter conditions in the Naryn region were more favorable. This region is where the main water artery of the Naryn (Syr Darya), which feeds the Toktogul, is formed.
Currently, the water inflow corresponds to the average long-term values, which allows for hope of successful filling of the reservoir. However, according to the specialist, there are certain concerns. According to the passport of the Toktogul HPP, by the end of the heating season, the reservoir level should be 12 billion cubic meters, and by the beginning of the autumn-winter period — 16 billion cubic meters.
Karybekov emphasized that deviating from these norms is undesirable. In recent years, the level of the Toktogul Reservoir has often dropped to critical levels, creating difficulties with filling, even with sufficient inflow.
It is important to have a reserve in the reservoir, as climate change leads to an increase in the number of drought years. Having reserves will allow for more efficient operation of the HPP even in low-water conditions. In the current situation, where such reserves are insufficient, it is necessary to conserve resources and activate additional capacities for electricity production, concluded Ernest Karybekov.
