15:03, 23 октября 2024, Bishkek - 24.kg news agency , Ilya PETCHENKO
Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan Edil Baisalov expressed concern about the low adoption rates of electric vehicles in Kyrgyzstan. According to him, over the past five years, only 2,000 electric vehicles have been registered in the country — a result that he considers insufficient to meet environmental goals.
«Kyrgyzstan should become the first country to abandon internal combustion engines. We must significantly increase the number of electric vehicles in five years, guided by the successful examples of other countries, such as Norway. This oil power has long been actively switching to electric vehicles — this year, about 70 percent of all cars sold there are electric cars,» Edil Baisalov said.
Development of hydro and solar energy was also discussed at the forum. Edil Baisalov said that next year, as part of the hydropower development program, it is planned to open hundreds of stations on the country’s rivers. He noted that micro and small hydropower plants are currently being developed. In addition, a solar energy project is being prepared that will produce several gigawatts of electricity.
He also added that Kambar-Ata-1, the largest hydropower project, is an important part of the plan. Its construction is being carried out jointly with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. This project will provide not only Kyrgyzstan, but also neighboring countries, with energy.
Baisalov also emphasized the importance of careful treatment of water resources, especially in the context of cooperation with neighbors. «We have a lot of water, but we must save every drop,» he said.
Edil Baisalov added that hundreds of millions of dollars in investment in new management methods are required to better manage water resources and irrigation systems.