In an attempt to cope with the energy crisis, neighboring states may face political problems. Informburo.kz reports.
At least 11 hydroelectric power plants (HPPs) will be launched in Kyrgyzstan in 2024. According to the Minister of Energy of the Republic, Taalaibek Ibraev, these will be five large hydroelectric power stations and six mini-hydroelectric power stations. According to the results of the first half of 2023, Kyrgyzstan achieved the best result in the region in increasing electricity generation — an increase of 1 percent.
«Kazakh experts express their concern about the plans for energy development in the neighboring country. They say that water shortages may worsen in the region, and Kazakhstan already has problems with it even now,» the media outlet notes.
Bulat Yesekin, an expert on environmental policy and institutional framework for environmental protection, emphasized that the construction of large hydroelectric power plants in many countries is now recognized as a wrong decision. The expert expressed regret that «Kyrgyzstan uses the climate law and the environmental crisis as a reason to build hydroelectric power plants without expertise, without procedures established by law.»
According to international water law, any change in the regimes of rivers, border rivers, of course, must be agreed upon, discussed at least with neighboring countries affected by this change.
Bulat Yesekin
His colleague Laura Malikova agrees that the construction of new hydropower plants may affect the water management systems of neighboring countries, including Kazakhstan. The expert also warned of possible political consequences.
«The construction of hydropower plants on rivers that cross the border may affect relations between Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. Water management issues must be resolved to prevent possible conflicts, she said. «In general, the impact of the construction of hydroelectric power plants in Kyrgyzstan on the rivers of Kazakhstan requires careful study and coordination between the two countries in order to minimize the negative impacts and maximize the benefits from the use of rivers and water resources in this region.»
Informburo.kz employees turned to the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of Kazakhstan for comments on this issue. Vice Minister Galidulla Azidullin recalled that Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are going to build Kambarata HPP-1 together. But he confirmed that Kyrgyzstan did not warn its Kazakh colleagues about the construction of 11 HPPs.
«Development of hydropower potential in Kyrgyzstan should not have a negative impact on the water supply of the southern regions during the growing season. Thus, the balance of water and energy interests of the parties must be considered with the participation of all countries in the region,» the official said.
