Japarov pointed out that in previous years, coal from the Kara-Keche deposit was utilized at the power plant. However, last year, a decision was made to switch to Shubarkul coal.
“Previously, the Bishkek thermal power plant used coal from the Kara-Keche field. This coal is immature. Its calorie content is 3800 kcal/kg. Last year, we directly purchased Shubarkul coal. This is good coal, calorific value is 5500 kcal/kg. I am not an expert, but I think that the explosion occurred due to the increase in temperature against the background of the fact that the employees did not understand that this is high-calorie coal and burned it like Kara-Kechinsky,” stated the President of the Kyrgyz Republic.
The accident occurred on February 2 at 3 o’clock in the morning, resulting in equipment failure at the Bishkek thermal power station. The cause is currently under investigation, with the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Kyrgyz Republic indicating that it is of man-made origin, ruling out possible sabotage. Five people were injured, three of whom are hospitalized with varying degrees of burns. An emergency situation has been declared in the capital CHP zone, leading to the creation of an operational headquarters for immediate response and consequence management.
President Japarov personally visited the thermal power plant to assess the progress of restoration works. He issued urgent instructions to restore heat supply to residences and social facilities, emphasizing the need for timely information on the full restoration of CHP operation. Additionally, special services were ordered to operate in an enhanced mode until the emergency situation is resolved, and plans were outlined for a comprehensive modernization of the capital’s thermal power plant.
Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Head of the Presidential Administration of the Kyrgyz Republic, Akylbek Zhaparov, interrupted his working visit to Almaty to return to Bishkek.
