The resources of the Nurek reservoir, crucial for supplying water to the entire Vakhsh cascade of hydroelectric power stations, are on the verge of depletion. Energy experts are closely monitoring weather conditions as their primary reliance now.
The situation concerning the republic's energy supply is expected to deteriorate further in the upcoming week. The main reservoir in the country, Nurek reservoir, is almost empty due to significantly reduced inflows from the Vakhsh River.
Representatives from Barki Tojik company, now solely responsible for electricity production following the energy sector's restructuring, led a tour for journalists to Nurek on April 3. During the visit, the complexity of the situation was highlighted. Anvar Kiromiddinov, the deputy chief engineer of the Nurek HPP, reported that the water reserves in the reservoir are currently at 857 meters and 64 centimeters, marking a decrease of 5 meters and 7 centimeters from the same period last year.
According to Kiromiddinov's data, 52 meters and 36 centimeters of water reserves from the reservoir have been utilized, leaving only 64 centimeters remaining. Despite efforts to minimize water usage, the reserves may run dry within the next 5 days.
Specialists at the Nurek HPP stressed the importance of prudent resource management. Even with minimal water consumption, the reserves are at risk of being fully depleted imminently.
The inflow of water into the Vakhsh River was reported at 295 cubic meters per second on April 3, which is significantly lower than the same period in 2023 by 151 cubic meters per second.
Experts at the Nurek HPP emphasized the necessity for the river's inflow to exceed 500 cubic meters per second for adequate electricity supply.
Barki Tojik's official spokesperson, Nozir Yodgori, referencing meteorological predictions, expressed optimism for an increase in air temperature at the beginning of the forthcoming week. This rise in temperature could lead to higher water inflows into the Vakhsh River.
Specialists at the Nurek HPP highlighted that favorable weather conditions could substantially improve the energy supply scenario. They mentioned that a slight warming trend before the recent cold spell had boosted the Vakhsh River inflow to 340 cubic meters per second within days.
Makhmadamin Makhmadsaidzoda, the chief engineer of the Nurek HPP, disclosed that electricity generation on April 2 was 14 million kilowatt-hours, compared to 21 million kWh during the same period last year.
Presently, approximately 70% of the country's energy supply hinges on the Nurek HPP, with all other stations in the Vakhsh cascade (6 HPPs) relying on its reservoir for water supply.
Electricity supply to consumers in rural areas, where 70% of the population resides, was restricted at the start of the last autumn-winter period on September 20. By the end of winter, consumers were receiving limited electricity for only 3 hours in the morning and 5-6 hours in the evening. However, by the end of February, the situation had worsened, leading to prolonged power outages.
Urban areas, including the capital, also encountered power cuts. Despite the challenges, energy officials refuted claims of any electricity supply limitations, dismissing such assertions as media conjecture.
During the spring, a major power outage affected the country, causing disruptions in heating, water supply, and communication services. While electricity was eventually restored after three hours, heating issues persisted.
It later came to light that nearly the entire country, except for the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region, faced a blackout due to a technical fault on the national high-voltage power lines.
Despite the intricate energy supply situation, company representatives persisted in denying the existence of any limitations, rejecting such discussions as media fabrications.
