Mining at Kambar-Ata-2 involves utilising idle capacity

In an interview with Kabar News Agency, President Sadyr Zhaparov explained why a 30 megawatt mining farm is operating at the Kambar-Ata-2 hydroelectric power plant. According to him, its launch was the solution to a long-standing problem that previous energy leaders had neglected.

After the hydroelectric power plant was commissioned in 2009, its installed capacity was 120 megawatt. However, the old infrastructure — lines and transformers — could only transmit 90 megawatt.

During this time, 6.8 billion kilowatt-hours of potential went to waste. The result was 3.275 billion KGS in lost profits.

‘All negligent managers who worked before 2020 can be held accountable for this. Why did no one pay attention to the loss of 30 megawatt at this station for 11 years?’ Zhaparov emphasised.

To solve the problem, the state concluded a tripartite agreement between Electric Stations, Kyrgyzstan UET and MBT-Stroy. It provides for an investment of 1.5 billion KGS from the investor.

In addition, the state has assigned the following work to MBT-Stroy LLC:

• Currently, work is underway at the Kambar-Ata substation to repair and restore two transformers with a capacity of 25  megavolt-amperes each each. All components have been installed, with a total investment of 429 million KGS.
• At the Kүrp-Sai HPP, reconstruction work is underway with the installation of two new 220 kV autotransformers, with an investment of 736 million KGS. Work is currently ongoing.
• Renovation of the 110 kilovolt overhead power line from the Kurp-Sai HPP to the Abasbekov substation, with a length of 35 km. This work is currently underway.
• Renovation of the 110 kilovolt  overhead power line from the
• Abasbekov substation to the Kambar-Ata-2 hydroelectric power plant, with a length of 57 km.

Work is currently ongoing. The total length of the overhead lines being reconstructed is 92 km. All of this will be completed in the near future.

"The investments made in the above work will pay for themselves in about four years. After that, all newly installed transformers and constructed lines, together with the mining farm, will be transferred to the state. That is the agreement. We weigh each of our decisions not seven, but seventy times before making them. We immediately reject any projects that could harm the state. This mining operation is not in anyone's personal interests, not in the interests of the minister or myself, but in the interests of the state and the people," Zhaparov emphasised.

We would like to add that, according to the president, this mining farm and the one that operated in Kemine have been temporarily shut down for the cold season.