Two small hydroelectric power stations are launched

Almaty, 5 November 2008, (Khabar) - The Almaty region plans to supply itself
with cheap and ecologically pure energy. Two small hydroelectric power
stations are launched at rivers Issyk and Karatal here in framework of
specially adopted program. Today Almaty region receives 50% of electric
power from other regions. Soon tens of small hydroelectric power stations
will be constructed here. 5 mega watt Issyk hydroelectric power station was
built for the first time during last 20 years. The Almaty region constantly
faces lack of electric power, last year's deficit was 20 mega watts. The
experts say the lack can reach about 400 mega watts by 2016. Electric power
in Almaty region is very expensive and one kilo watt costs about 11 tenge.
That's why it is planned to construct in the region 28 small hydroelectric
power stations in the nearest years.

Sauat Mynbayev, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources of RK:
- The republican budget allocated 150 million tenge for the elaboration of
hydroelectric power stations and construction of heat electropower stations
in Taldykorgan and we plan to build some hydroelectric power stations in
Taldykorgan and Almaty districts.

Sauat Mynbayev says about 80% of electric power is produced due to coal in
the republic. The task plans to increase raise of renewed resources. The law
supporting construction of hydro and wind power stations must be adopted
till the end of this year. Private companies and banks have already become
interested in such projects. "BTA" Bank invested $4,3 into construction of
Issyk hydroelectric power station. Gulmira Doshmanova, managing director of
bank says they are ready to continue financing such projects.
One more station with power 4,4 mega watts was launched in Yeskeldy district
at Karatal river.

Serik Umbetov, governor of Almaty region:
- The next year we will open three more hydroelectric power stations with
power 25 mega watts and in 2010 we will launch stations of 39 mega watts and
Moinak and other hydroelectric power stations will be also constructed.

Tens of small hydroelectric power stations with two wind power stations will
change the situation with supply of electric power. It is expected by 2015
the Almaty region will supply itself with energy and stop import it from
other regions of the country if these projects are realized.