The future of energy in Central Asia was discussed at KRSU
The annual scientific and educational program of the Gorchakov Foundation has started at the Kyrgyz-Russian Slavic University — «School for Central Asia». The main topic of the current meeting was the transformation of the region's energy sector with a focus on energy security and cooperation with the Russian Federation.
The event is attended by students, undergraduates, and graduate students of specialized universities. researchers in the field of international relations, political scientists, economists, lawyers, historians, representatives of public organizations, young diplomats and representatives of government agencies and journalists.
«Energy — is a driving force, a motor that allows you to build a multi-vector policy and ensure independence from a single center of solutions and suppliers. The key topics of our program —renewable energy sources, nuclear energy, oil and gas as traditional resources that determine the sustainable future of the region», — emphasized Sergei Orlov, Deputy Executive Director of the Gorchakov Foundation.
The School hosts lectures, expert discussions and meetings with representatives of the scientific and government communities. Topics range from the impact of global geopolitics on energy to projects to develop nuclear and hydropower.
Welcoming the participants, Vice-Rector for Scientific and Innovation Activities of KRSU Evgeniy Shekunov noted:
«Central Asia has enormous energy potential. It is important to find a path that ensures sustainable growth, energy security and environmental responsibility. The future of the region's energy sector —this is a joint effort between countries based on a balance of national interests and global trends».
One of the key speakers of the program was Deputy Minister of Energy of the Kyrgyz Republic Nazgul Usenova. In her speech, she stated that there is a shortage of about 5,000 specialists in the country's energy sector, and expressed gratitude to her Russian partners for their support:
«Electricity supplies from the Russian Federation contribute to the stability of the energy system of Kyrgyzstan. Electricity is supplied strictly according to schedule, which avoids a critical decrease in water levels at the Toktogul cascade of hydroelectric power stations. This is vital to the country's energy balance».
Usenova also emphasized the strategic importance of the Kambar-Ata HPP-2 project, for which a competition for the supply of equipment has already been completed:
«With the commissioning of the second hydraulic unit, the station’s power will increase by approximately 120 megawatts. This is one of the largest projects in the field of hydropower. It is planned to build a spillway and implement bank protection measures —all this will ensure stable operation of the station».
On the first day, two panel discussions were held:
«The future of the Central Asian energy sector: between national priorities and international trends»
«Main trends and challenges in global energy: historical retrospective, current agenda and forecasts».
The program in Bishkek will last until July 12, after which participants will go to Issyk-Kul, where educational sessions will also be held. In addition to the business part, an environmental campaign is planned: participants will hold a cleanup day and clear the coastal area of the lake from household waste.
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