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🇰🇬 Kyrgyzstan /Energy & Infrastructure

Kyrgyzstan's Energy Sector Faces Widespread Outdated Equipment

From 24.kg · () Russian

Translated from Russian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Approximately 60-70 percent of Kyrgyzstan's energy sector equipment is outdated, according to the Energy Minister.
  • Some power transformers have been in service for 45 years or longer, far exceeding their 25-year design life.
  • The country is attempting to upgrade equipment using its own funds despite previous reliance on external sources.

Kyrgyzstan's energy sector is grappling with significantly outdated equipment, with 60-70 percent of its machinery in need of replacement, Energy Minister Altynbek Rysbekov stated at a briefing.

Outdated equipment has to be repaired in order to extend its service life as much as possible.

— Altynbek RysbekovEnergy Minister Altynbek Rysbekov explaining the current maintenance strategy for aging energy infrastructure.

He highlighted that power transformers, designed for a 25-year lifespan, are often operating for 45 years or more. To manage this, the ministry is focused on repairing existing equipment to extend its service life as much as possible.

Rysbekov noted that several years ago, the proportion of outdated equipment was even higher, reaching 70-80 percent. At that time, repairs were funded internally. "Every year, we try to upgrade equipment as much as possible," he said, indicating ongoing efforts to modernize the sector.

Several years ago, the share of outdated equipment reached 70–80 percent, and repairs were carried out using our own funds.

— Altynbek RysbekovEnergy Minister Altynbek Rysbekov discussing the historical context of equipment obsolescence and funding.

This situation comes in the wake of a massive failure on July 17, which caused an emergency shutdown of two high-voltage power lines. The incident triggered the system's automatic load-shedding mechanism, underscoring the fragility of the aging infrastructure.

Every year, we try to upgrade equipment as much as possible.

— Altynbek RysbekovEnergy Minister Altynbek Rysbekov detailing the ongoing efforts to modernize the energy sector.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by 24.kg in Russian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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