Akylbek Zhaparov: Opening of a small HPP on the Ak-Buura River as a step towards energy independence

During the working trip to the Osh region, the Head of the Cabinet of Ministers Akylbek Zhaparov inaugurated the construction of a small HPP on the Papan reservoir.

The HPP will operate on the Ak-Buure River, which provides Osh with water, located at the foot of the sacred mountain Sulaiman-Too. The river's name is associated with the image of strength and power: in ancient times, people considered the camel, called Buura, the most powerful animal. This river like buur exudes power, which inspired the poet Aaly Tokombayev. It also found its place in the works of Chingiz Aitmatov. Now the river's power will turn into electricity for the well-being of the people.

Akylbek Zhaparov stressed that the energy development is the focus of the state's attention. This year, the Bala-Saruu and Kainama HPPs have been put into operation. The new small HPP on the Papan reservoir with a capacity of 25 MW will produce about 103 million kWh of electricity annually, with investments totalling $27 million.

‘The construction of this hydropower plant is a strategic step towards the country's energy sovereignty,’ the Cabinet chairman said."

The Papan reservoir, where the construction started, was built in 1979-1985 and is located in the Papan Gorge, in the valley of the Ak-Buura River, near the Qatar massif.