All Central Asian countries have experienced an increase in electricity generation during the first half of 2023. Kyrgyzstan achieved the highest volume of electricity generation, with a growth rate of 14%. Turkmenistan is second with 6.7% growth, than Uzbekistan with 4.3%, and Tajikistan with 3.3%. Kazakhstan had the lowest growth rate at 1.9%. This information was reported by the Eurasian Development Bank, Akchabar reports.
Despite the significant increase in electricity generation in 2023, the Kyrgyzstan government has decided to impose a state of emergency in the energy sector from August 1 of the current year until 2026.
Uzbekistan faced the most severe winter period during 2022-2023 and was compelled to import energy resources, including electricity, from neighboring countries.
The region's population has been steadily growing over the past decades and has now reached 80 million people. Concurrently, the industrial sector in the region is rapidly developing, leading to the existing energy capacities in the countries becoming insufficient due to the rising demand for electricity.
Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan increased their electricity generation by utilizing mostly their hydro resources. Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan generate electricity using thermal power plants that rely on natural gas.
Uzbekistan, being the most populous country in the region, also relies on natural gas for electricity generation. However, the gas reserves are not enough to fully meet the electricity demand, resulting in the country having to import electricity from its neighbors. Furthermore, Uzbekistan is actively moving forward with the construction of an atomic power station, which is considered a viable option to address the energy needs.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
July 31, 2023