Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan are facing serious challenges in electricity supply and heating as winter approaches. A sudden increase in temperature and electricity demand in recent weeks has raised concerns in both countries. Particularly in Kyrgyzstan, officials are worried about the instability of the power grid, which seems to be on the brink of a serious crisis.
Poor Performance of the Power Grid
According to a report published on October 29, the Central Asia power grid is highly vulnerable and at risk of failure during the winter season. This report refers to a study by the Eurasian Development Bank, which shows that the power grid in this region frequently bears excess loads. Loads that have exceeded "105123 percent of the permissible values." Critical areas include energy links between Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan as well as Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan.
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Preventive Measures by Officials
Kyrgyz officials are trying to prevent a crisis with proactive measures. The Minister of Energy of Kyrgyzstan, Altinbek Rysbekov, met with his Uzbek counterpart, Sherzod Khodjaev, in Tashkent on October 28 to discuss ways to ensure stable electricity supply during the cold season. No specific measures to improve the situation were announced at this meeting.
The President of Kyrgyzstan, Sadyr Japarov, announced that his government would not issue new permits for energy-intensive cryptocurrency mining operations until the country's electricity production capacity improves, following the increasing electricity supply problems in winter. Japarov stated in an interview: "We can only allow large hydropower plants to be built when we cover our needs." He also referred to the issue of taxes and revenues from cryptocurrency mining farms, stating: "We cannot issue permits yet because we do not have enough energy."
These developments come as the Central Asia power grid faces serious challenges, including hydraulic limitations and fuel supply issues. Inactive thermal units and problems in the power grid also exacerbate this crisis. According to experts, the main problem in this region is not the lack of installed capacity, but the availability and flexibility of capacity during critical hours.
Given the weather forecasts and increasing demand, the electricity situation in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan has become one of the main concerns for the winter season. Officials must take more serious measures to improve the power grid situation and meet energy needs to prevent a crisis.
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