BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 6. Wide-scale deployment of renewables in Kyrgyzstan has been held back by several issues, Trend reports citing the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) report: "Renewables Readiness Assessment Kyrgyzstan" for December 2022.
IRENA noted that the case for greater adoption of renewables is growing stronger in Kyrgyzstan as challenges of climate change, air pollution and rising demand intensify.
"A smooth transition towards a sustainable energy system that addresses the various energy sector challenges by utilising the extensive renewable energy resources in Kyrgyzstan requires a conducive policy and regulatory environment that is well designed and implemented," the message said.
According to IRENA, wide-scale deployment of renewables in Kyrgyzstan has been held back by several issues:
- Renewable energy targets have not been effective as they are not enforced by law, nor backed by concrete policies;
- The lack of a level playing field hinders renewable energy deployment at the retail level. Average power and heat tariffs are well below the levels needed to recover costs;
- So far, renewable energy policies remain limited to the electrical power sector. Policies such as mandates, fiscal and financial incentives and demonstration projects could encourage renewable heating.
The International Renewable Energy Agency stressed on the need of renewable energy capacity building for both public and private stakeholders.
"Lack of adequate skills and know-how is hindering all stages of renewable energy deployment, starting from policy making and going all the way to project construction and operation," IRENA said.