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Laboratory for Hydropower Research

(Vladimir I. Lipkin, Head)

Activities

The Laboratory carries out studies in the following fields:

• Assessment efficiency of the currently active hydropower facilities;

• Ecological and economic survey for construction of new HPPs;

• Impact of made or being made reservoirs on the environment;

• Development of small hydropower industry.

Results

Researchers of the Laboratory analyzed operation of the Low Naryn HPPs in the context of modern conditions. The conducted analysis has demonstrated that the use of the Toktogul reservoir in irrigation mode is unprofitable for the Kyrgyzstan’s economy: the annual loss makes up about US $ 150 mln. While working in the irrigation mode, the cascade of HPPs does not produce crucially important 2 billions KW/h of hydropower in the winter months.  To make good loss and damage, Kyrgyzstan has to buy expensive fuel for its TPP located in Bishkek. Using such fuel products, the country suffers losses affecting the environment.

The developed method to assess damage from the Toktogul reservoir construction and operation in the irrigation mode makes it possible not only to estimate all losses of Kyrgyzstan, but also to settle the existing disputes between the co-riparians of the Naryn-Syrdaria basin.

Nowadays opportunities to develop small HPPs,  environment friendly sources of energy, are investigated in the Issyk-Kul region. It is of extreme importance for this resort area. The developed feasibility study “Perspectives of the socio-economic development of the Djety-Oguz rayon on the basis of the rational use of water and hydropower resources” envisages construction of two HPPs. They can be located along flow diversion canals of the Arabelsu river. This will improve energy supply within the rayon. The detailed business plan on rehabilitation and construction of small HPPs has been submitted to partners from Norway for their consideration.