The impact of climate variability on hydropower and renewable energy potential in the Kyrgyz Republic

This paper examines the climate risks affecting the development of renewable energy sources in Kyrgyzstan. Particular attention is paid to the vulnerability of hydropower, solar and wind energy to changes in temperature, precipitation, river flow, glacier degradation and the impact of extreme weather events. Key climate impacts on energy infrastructure and generation sources are identified, research questions are formulated, and a vulnerability assessment methodology is proposed. Based on the analysis of data and literature, it is shown that water, as the basis of hydropower in Kyrgyzstan, is subject to significant risks due to melting glaciers, displacement of flow, increased sediment content and extreme floods. The results confirm that the energy transformation in Kyrgyzstan requires a comprehensive consideration of climate factors and the development of adaptation strategies.