The US Agency for International Development (USAID) Power Central Asia activity – delivered a light detection and ranging unit to the Ministry of energy in Kyrgyzstan.
As Minister of Energy Taalaibek Ibrayev noted in his speech at the official handover ceremony on May 24, the Light Detection and Ranging equipment will not only help the country effectively use renewable energy sources, it will also improve financial forecasts and accelerate the introduction of wind farms and wind energy in the Kyrgyz Republic.
The Light Detection and Ranging unit technology measures wind and allows key energy stakeholders to facilitate renewable energy projects. Globally, it has become the technology of choice for utility-scale development, monitoring, forecasting, and financing. Proper wind measurements better inform renewable energy developers and help boost sector investments. Providing Light Detection and Ranging data for wind sites helps a country attract investors and developers and lowers energy investment costs. This makes it a crucial tool for countries looking to secure affordable and clean energy within their clean energy programs and promotes energy independence and security.
The USAID Power Central Asia activity also hosted a two-day hands-on training for technical staff on the use of wind measurement equipment, where they learned about the assembly, operation, and data interpretation of the units.
In her welcoming remarks, USAID/Kyrgyz Republic Mission Director, Kaya Adams, stated: “The Kyrgyz Republic can ensure that all future wind projects will be both strategically located and implemented with the highest precision for maximum efficiency. This efficiency is crucial for making informed investment decisions that will sustainably shape the country’s energy future.”
The USAID Power Central Asia activity is a five-year, regional energy activity that helps Central Asian countries improve their energy sectors. The activity improves energy sector performance, competitively introduces clean energy, and improves energy security and resiliency through greater regional connectivity and expanded cross-border electricity trade. Since Power Central Asia’s inception in 2020, USAID has leveraged $2.2 billion in clean energy investments and facilitated the installation of 2,241 Megawatts of clean energy capacity across Central Asia.
