06 FOREIGN NEWS
@ green | JANUARY-FEBRUARY , 2023
Diminishing expensive Kyrgyz energy imports
Further dependence on fossil fuels could make the Kyrgyz Republic more vulnerable to volatility in fuel markets
RISING fossil fuel imports are adding to the financial burdens of Kyrgyztan ’ s energy sector , according to a new report published by the International Renewable Energy Agency ( IRENA ). ‘ Renewables Readiness
Assessment : The Kyrgyz Republic ’ identifies concrete actions that can help address the country ’ s energy challenges , develop a more diverse energy sector and improve the livelihoods of its citizens . Kyrgyzstan aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 44 per cent by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 .
“ Kyrgyzstan , like many countries in Central Asia and around the world , is striving to overcome the enduring challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic ,” said IRENA Director-General Francesco La Camera .
“ As efforts to secure a comprehensive socio-economic recovery continue , there is a need to focus on far-reaching measures . It can help build a more resilient and diversified economy , improve the energy sector ’ s viability , attract investments in clean energy projects and propel the country towards its climate goals .”
Sultanbekov Sabyrbek , Vice-Minister of Energy of the Kyrgyz Republic , said the renewables readiness assessment represented an important step towards establishing a secure , modern , diversified and clean energy system .
“ New renewables technologies can provide competitive energy supply while reducing negative impacts on the environment and human health , bringing opportunities for universal access to modern energy sources ,” said Sabyrbek .
Kyrgyzstan is among the most energy-intensive countries in the world , leading to recurring energy shortages and reducing economic productivity and competitiveness .
While large hydropower is set to retain its role as the backbone of the power sector , the introduction of other renewables such as solar photovoltaic ( PV ), wind and bioenergy provide a reliable solution to rising energy demand and various social , economic and environmental benefits , according to the report .
The IRENA report , prepared in collaboration with the Ministry of Energy of Kyrgyzstan , proposes 12 key actions to accelerate renewable energy adoption in the country .
The recommendations point to tariff reforms in the energy sector as key to creating a level playing field , generating revenue , and lowering barriers to market entry for renewable energy projects . The report also highlights the need to implement auctions to attract investments to large-scale hydropower , solar , and wind projects .
The report recommends net metering , wheeling , and other distributed generation policies for unlocking the small-scale renewable energy market segment .
It also underscores policies that can promote the decarbonisation of end-uses through renewables-based electrification of heating and transport .
Increased funding to secure ultracheap solar |
THE Albanese Government is funding Australian scientists and researchers to make solar cells cheaper and more efficient , creating jobs , cleaning up the emissions-intensive industry , and making Australia a renewable energy superpower .
Thirteen Australian research and development projects will receive US $ 41.5 million from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency ( ARENA ) to lower solar PV costs , improve cell efficiency , and assist commercialisation .
Solar costs must fall to make renewable hydrogen a viable power source for big businesses and reduce emissions .
Screen printing terawatt-scale industrial solar cells and robotic solar field deployment and maintenance will be funded .
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Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said cost-efficiencies were essential to embracing clean energy ’ s economic potential and reaching Australia ’ s emissions targets .
Renewable energy is the cheapest and getting cheaper . Minister Bowen said ultra-low-cost solar would help Australia export green products and energy and meet emissions objectives by producing low-cost renewable hydrogen .
“ Australia has been a world leader in solar PV research for decades . The same universities that blazed the solar PV trail will step up again to help get utility-scale technology off the ground and help transform Australia into a renewable energy superpower .”
The funding will enable the Univer-
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Chris Bowen
sity of New South Wales , the Australian National University , and the University of Sydney to develop world-leading solar cell and module technology .
Their efforts support ARENA ’ s 2030 target of increasing solar panel efficiency to 30 per cent and lowering generation cost to 30 cents a watt .
The 2022-23 Budget funded ARENA and DCCEEW , delivering critical budget initiatives like US $ 224.5 million for the Community Batteries for Household Solar grants programme . – @ Green
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