EDB: Losses in Central Asian power grids reach 20%

The energy infrastructure of Central Asian countries has significantly deteriorated in terms of both generation and grid facilities, Demir Kabylbayev, Senior Analyst at the Center for Industry, Analysis, Research Department of the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB), said during the bank's Annual Meeting and Business Forum, Report informs.

According to him, the deterioration of infrastructure leads to high electricity losses, which in some cases reach 20%.

"At the same time, demand continues to grow. The region still lacks flexible capacity for the integration of renewable energy sources, and the level of cross-border electricity trade remains comparatively low," he noted.

Kabylbayev emphasized that the water-energy sector is of particular importance for Central Asia, since water is a strategic resource that simultaneously serves the needs of energy, agriculture, and drinking water supply.

"This is an extremely sensitive issue that requires a balance of interests of all parties," the analyst said.

He also drew attention to the low level of diversification in the energy balance of the region's countries.

"The share of gas in Turkmenistan's energy balance reaches 99%, gas in Uzbekistan accounts for 74%, and coal in Kazakhstan for 63%. In Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, the share of hydropower is 92% and 91%, respectively. That is, each country is largely dependent on one dominant energy source," the EDB representative noted.

According to him, such a structure increases technological and geopolitical risks, making the diversification of the energy sector one of the key objectives for the region, especially against the backdrop of sustained growth in electricity demand.