Kyrgyzstan is home to about 70 coal deposits, with total reserves estimated at an impressive 24 billion tons, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). Of these reserves, around 2.3 billion tons have been explored. The Kyrgyz government aims to substantially increase coal production, setting a target of 3 million tons by 2025. This growth is expected to come from a 30% increase in production at existing mines such as Kara-Keche, Besh-Burhan, Zhergalan, Sulukta, and Tash-Kumyr. The drive for increased production is fueled by efforts to reduce coal imports, encourage decentralized heating, and reduce household electricity consumption for heating.
“The coal industry in Kyrgyzstan is among the most prosperous in Central Asia,” said mining engineer Omurbek Kasybekov.
Kasybekov mentioned that during a visit by foreign investors, a British company expressed its willingness to modernize all coal enterprises if they were granted access to the Kumtor project.
Despite its vast potential, Kyrgyzstan faces challenges such as an inefficient network of coal producers, which leads to high prices and significant coal imports. Additionally, outdated and poorly maintained mining equipment hampers effective operation.
While hydropower remains Kyrgyzstan’s primary energy source, coal plays a crucial role in the country’s energy mix. During the winter months, when hydropower production decreases, the country relies on oil and gas imports for over half of its energy needs.
Kyrgyzstan is connected to the Central Asian Power System, linking it with Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kazakhstan. To enhance energy security and reduce dependence on imports, projects like the Central Asia-South Asia power project (CASA-1000) are essential. This project aims to supply electricity to Afghanistan and Pakistan by connecting Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, potentially supporting the coal industry by providing a more stable and integrated regional energy framework.