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Tash-Kumyr Hydroelectric Power Station
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The Tash-Kumyr Hydroelectric Power Station is a key component of the Naryn Cascade in Kyrgyzstan, located near the industrial city of Tash-Kumyr. Designed as the third stage of the cascade, the facility has an installed capacity of 450 MW. Construction began in the early 1980s, and full operational capacity was achieved in 1987. The plant utilizes the hydraulic head of the Naryn River created by a 75-meter-high dam. Tash-Kumyr is equipped with three vertical generating units, each with a capacity of 150 MW. In addition to power generation, the dam regulates water flow for industrial activities in a region historically significant for its coal mining industry. The station produces an average of 1.5 billion kWh of electricity per year. It serves as a vital pillar for the economic development of the lower Naryn valley, ensuring a stable power supply for local industrial centers. Like other stations in the cascade, Tash-Kumyr is integrated into the regional power grid. Current efforts are focused on the technical modernization of its control systems to enhance the facility's reliability within the national energy infrastructure.
- Location: Kyrgyzstan
- Nearby: Mailuu-Suu (27 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug, Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -2 | 0 | 6 | 12 | 17 | 22 | 25 | 24 | 18 | 11 | 4 | -1 |
| Rain mm | 23 | 32 | 36 | 36 | 28 | 17 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 22 | 32 | 29 |
📋 Practical info
What is this place?
The Tash-Kumyr Hydroelectric Power Station is a significant energy facility situated on the Naryn River. It forms an essential part of Kyrgyzstan's cascade of power plants, heavily contributing to the nation's domestic electricity generation and regional energy stability.
Visiting
As a critical piece of national infrastructure, the interior workings and power generation halls are generally closed to the general public. Official tours are extremely rare, so visitors should primarily expect to view the imposing exterior architecture from a distance.
Where to view it
Excellent perspectives of the concrete dam structure and the turquoise waters of the Naryn River can be found along the main highway passing through the gorge. The dramatic contrast between the industrial facility and the rugged mountain terrain makes for compelling photography from the roadside.
Local products
The surrounding town of Tash-Kumyr, historically known for coal mining, has modest local bazaars where travelers can find seasonal fruits, nuts, and everyday household goods. Visitors might also encounter honey produced by local beekeepers in the surrounding mountain valleys.
Active season
The hydroelectric cascade is operational year-round, but the visual impact of water release is most dramatic during the spring and early summer snowmelt. This period transforms the river into a powerful torrent, contrasting sharply with the calmer flows of late autumn.
Nearby
Travelers often view the Tash-Kumyr site as a scenic stop while traveling the route between Bishkek and Osh or heading towards the pristine Sary-Chelek Biosphere Reserve. The nearby Toktogul Reservoir also features a massive body of water first-rate for regional exploration.
Geography
Facts
- Total installed power capacity of 450 MW
- The height of the dam structure is 75 meters
- The station reached full operational status in 1987
- Equipped with three generating units of 150 MW each
- Average annual energy production of 1.5 billion kWh
- Crucial power supplier for the Tash-Kumyr industrial district
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Notable places around
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Sights in the town Tash-Kumyr Hydroelectric Power Station (1)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Tash-Kumyr HPP located?
It is located on the Naryn River near the mining town of Tash-Kumyr in southern Kyrgyzstan.
Is photography allowed on the grounds?
As with all strategic objects, close-up photography is usually prohibited.
What is the capacity of this power plant?
It has a capacity of 450 megawatts and is part of the Naryn hydroelectric cascade.
Why is the location important?
The narrowness of the valley provides well-suited conditions for hydropower use with a high dam.
What kind of town is Tash-Kumyr?
It is a former Soviet mining town, primarily known for coal mining.
Tash-Kumyr Hydroelectric Power Station: where is it located?
Tash-Kumyr Hydroelectric Power Station is located in Kyrgyzstan.
Tash-Kumyr Hydroelectric Power Station: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug, Sep.
Tash-Kumyr Hydroelectric Power Station: why is it worth visiting?
The Tash-Kumyr Hydroelectric Power Station is a key component of the Naryn Cascade in Kyrgyzstan, located near the industrial city of Tash-Kumyr.
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Nearby cities
Jalal-Abad
One of the largest cities in the south of the country, known for its hot springs and mineral waters.
Tash-Kumyr
An industrial city on the Naryn River, known for its coal mining and hydroelectric power plants.
Toktogul
A city north of the huge Toktogul Reservoir, surrounded by spectacular mountain ranges.
Kochkor-Ata
A city in the Jalal-Abad Region whose economy is traditionally dominated by oil and gas extraction.
Kerben
A small town in the Aksy District, located in a picturesque mountainous landscape in the west of the country.
Kazarman
A highly isolated mining settlement in inner Kyrgyzstan, often cut off from the rest of the country in winter.
Mailuu-Suu
A former Soviet closed city, famous for its uranium mining during the Cold War.
Sary-Chelek Lake
A stunning high-altitude lake within a UNESCO biosphere reserve, famous for its crystal-clear waters and dense walnut forests.
Suusamyr Valley
A vast high-altitude plateau at 2,200 meters, famous for its green pastures and traditional Kumis production.
History & landmarks
Nature
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Kurpsai Hydroelectric Power Station
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Mailuu-Suu Lightbulb Factory
One of the largest lightbulb factories in Central Asia.
Fergana Valley
The Kyrgyz edge of the densely populated and fertile depression, known for its agriculture and complex borders.
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Padysha-Ata State Nature Reserve
This protected area preserves unique fir forests and rare juniper stands in the picturesque mountains of Jalal-Abad.
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Fergana Valley Cotton Fields
In the warm plains of southern Kyrgyzstan, extensive cotton fields dominate the landscape.
Toktogul Hydroelectric Power Station
The largest hydroelectric power station in the country, located on the Naryn River.