Renewables key to expensive Kyrgyz energy imports: IRENA

Kyrgyzstan wants to reduce carbon emissions by 44% by 2030. 

Kyrgyzstan could address the financial burden stemming from importing fossil fuels with renewable energy, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) said. 

The market seeks to reduce  carbon emissions by 44% by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. 

“This renewables readiness assessment represents an important step toward establishing a secure, modern, diversified and clean energy system,” Sultanbekov Sabyrbek, Vice-Minister of Energy of the Kyrgyz Republic, said. 

“New renewable technologies are able to provide competitive energy supply, while reducing negative impacts on the environment and human health, bringing opportunities for universal access to modern energy sources.”

Read more: IRENA’s energy transition platform bags $1b investments

According to IRENA, Kyrgyzstan is amongst the most energy-intensive countries with recurring energy shortages and reducing economic productivity and competitiveness. 

In its report, IRENA cited tariff reforms as amongst the policy recommendations that could help level the playing field for Kyrgyzstan. It also proposed lowering barriers to market entry for renewable energy projects.