Russia is about to reconnect with the Central Asian Unified Energy System (CA UES), a turning point in the region’s energy cooperation. It is envisaged that this reintegration would improve energy security and efficacy throughout Central Asia; for example, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan have all experienced seasonal power outages in recent years.

The CA UES which was developed during the Soviet period was aimed at integrating grids of Central Asian nations in a manner that would ensure equal generation and consumption of power. But with the breakup of Soviet Union in the year 1991, the energy system got decentralized as the nations aimed at energy autonomy. The re entry of Russia into the system means a new focus on regional cooperation that is increasing demand for energy.

Kyrgyzstan’s Ministry of Energy said that return of Russia will “improve the power grid interconnection and help to optimize the electricity supply during the peak winters”. This move is also seen as crucial for shortages of energy supplies especially in countries like Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, that depend highly on hydroelectric power but experience power shortages during dry winters. Besides energy security, Russia’s involvement may open up the issue of joining attempts at the creation of renewable energy sources especially in the sphere of solar and hydroelectric possibilities that Central Asia has not fully explored. For Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Energy the inclusion of Russia into the CA UES can positively affect cross border energy trade and can reduce the cost of electricity generation and distribution.

Source: The Times of Central Asia, ASIA-Plus