In 2024, Kyrgyzstan's electricity consumption landscape reveals a significant reliance on low-carbon energy sources, with clean hydropower comprising the vast majority, contributing to about 68% of the country's electricity supply. Close to a fifth of its electricity comes from net imports. Meanwhile, fossil fuels, which predominantly include coal, account for nearly 13% of the total electricity generation. This considerable shift towards low-carbon electricity lays a strong foundation for sustainable growth, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and minimizing the adverse effects of climate change and pollution typically associated with fossil-based energy.
Is Electricity Growing in Kyrgyzstan?
However, Kyrgyzstan's electricity consumption per capita has seen a decrease compared to its historic high. From a previous record of 3528 kWh/person in 1990, current consumption stands at 2896 kWh/person, marking a decline of 631 kWh/person. Furthermore, the low-carbon electricity generation has also decreased since its best performance in 2000, going from 2696 kWh/person to 1958 kWh/person, representing a reduction of 738 kWh/person. This downturn reflects a need for invigorated strategies in boosting both overall and clean electricity generation to cater to increasing demands and support the transition to a green economy.
Suggestions
For Kyrgyzstan to further enhance its low-carbon electricity generation, it could draw inspiration from successful strategies employed in other regions. Emulating countries with robust nuclear capabilities, like France and Slovakia, which generate around 69% and 64% of their electricity from nuclear energy respectively, could be crucial. Additionally, Iowa and South Dakota demonstrate the significant potential of wind energy, with these states deriving over 60% of their electricity from wind. Kyrgyzstan could strategically integrate solar power, following the footsteps of countries like Lebanon, which covers over 30% of its electricity through solar, showcasing how harnessing the power of the sun can provide a sustainable and clean energy solution. By expanding its reliance on nuclear and incorporating solar and wind, Kyrgyzstan can significantly ramp up its low-carbon electricity output.
History
Looking back at the trends in hydropower, Kyrgyzstan has experienced fluctuations over the decades. In the early 1990s, the country saw notable changes, with a decrease in 1992 followed by substantial growth in 1994. The late 1990s and early 2000s were characterized by alternating increases and decreases, showing no consistent pattern. In more recent years, there was a notable dip in 2008 followed by a recovery in 2010, then a significant boost in 2011 and again in 2017. The year 2024 saw a resurgence, with an increase of 2.4 TWh. These historical patterns indicate the need for sustained investment and innovation in hydropower infrastructure to stabilize and increase electricity generation from this green energy source.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.