Center for Natural Resources and Sustainability

And I would say it was the third specialty that chose me. This is because in France I met partners who proposed me joint cooperation in the field of energy, and in particularly in small hydropower. The “Little Switzerland of Central Asia”, as Kyrgyzstan is sometimes called for the similarity of its mountain landscapes, picturesque pastures and water resources, attracted French investors with its water energy potential. After examining dozens of sites of abandoned small hydroelectric power stations, we finally chose a plant that French specialists decided to renovate. It was a pilot project, our “start-up” as they say now, and the first small hydropower plant to be reconstructed in Kyrgyzstan, and was licensed as the country’s first private independent power producer 1997. My professional knowledge of a foreign language, managerial knowledge and skills and teamwork with national and international energy specialists, opened for me the “school of Energy”, which I now deservedly consider my speciality. One humanitarian subject I stayed true, to French, which is my favorite. This year, our pilot project celebrates its 25th anniversary and all these years I have dedicated myself to the field of “green energy”, to the project of our small HPP, and our close-knit team.... During this time, I think more than a dozen companies, as they say, fallen off the track, because they have failed to adapt to the ever-changing economic realities. But we have survived and continue to operate ... and I am very proud of that! I am very happy that my contribution and hard work in the industry is recognized by the government. The Prime Minister of the Kyrgyz Republic presented me with personal watch to commemorate the 85th anniversary of the energy sector in the Kyrgyz Republic.

However, climate change has also reached the territory of the Kyrgyz Republic, and problems associated with the reduction of the glacier surface led to a reduction in the filling capacity of the main reservoir of the country. Periods of low water have a direct impact on the operation of large hydropower plants. Water scarcity has led to a shortage of electricity generation, which in turn has required a reduction in electricity consumption and slowed the country’s economic growth. At that time, we realize the need for alternative energy sources, such as solar, wind, geothermal and biogas technologies, so undeservedly forgotten and undervalued. So far, we have had to demonstrate and overcome the reluctance and misunderstanding of the authorities about the need to develop and support RES sector and create favorable conditions for alternative energy production. However, the situation related to electricity shortage in Kyrgyzstan made the country authorities to realize the need to develop RES sector. At the moment, we are actively working on optimizing legislation in this area and I am actively involved in this process together with my colleagues in the energy sector.

Moment of inspiration

Having worked in the energy sector for many years, in the same company, we can see how the system work is being built “bit by bit”, like a puzzle that has to come together into a single picture. A very important word for energy professionals is BALANCE. If there is balance in the country's energy networks, then success of the entire system is assured. So, for me, this balance is important for the success of my work and my life in general – in all my professional activities, in my relations with my partners, with my colleagues and with the employees in my team. I have to be in harmony with nature and follow the principle of “do no harm” to achieve the desired results.

Acknowledged success

I am very gentle and patient person, despite being a Leo and destined to be a leader “karmically”. My friends and colleagues always emphasize “patience” above all else. I am absolutely not a confrontational person. I never allow myself to be rude, even towards my subordinates. Unfortunately, I often feel very uncomfortable because I cannot say “no” and refuse requests. That said, of course, I would never tolerate rudeness in my address and always try to find a way to communicate correctly. I talked about balance above. So, while I am immersed in my work, I never forget my family life. Everything has to be as good as possible both in a family and at work. I love taking care of my home and my loved ones. An energy manager appeared in me, but an interior designer did not materialize. If there is an opportunity to change something at home, I will do it indefinitely. If I can move it, I will move it, and if not, I will change the interior.

I think every woman can be happy if she has time for work and family. The role of the state is of course very important for this. If social conditions in Kyrgyzstan such as maternity protection and child allowances could provide women with wider range of employment options, including in the energy sector, they will be able to contribute more.

There is a joke often told by energy professionals that: “The chicken is not the bird; the woman is not an electrician”. This is refuted by the hundreds of women working in the energy sector in various positions. Many of the jobs in today’s power plants are of a digitized technical nature and have nothing to do with heavy physical labour: engineering, design, dispatching control, production economics, law and finance, with their “energy” specifics. This is where women can succeed professionally and feel needed. And when it comes to small-scale energy production and the provision of small-scale production or household services, there are already many examples in the world where women have adapted to their living and working environment and manage the assembly and maintenance of solar dryers, cookers or water heating systems.

I was born in Kyrgyzstan and have lived here all my life. My daughters were born here. Even though they no longer live here, but I want them always come back. To the green and sunny land of their childhood. To the clean city where I don’t have to worry about it being one of the smoggiest cities in the world, where I can enjoy walks with my young grandson, who is my only grandson at the moment, and hopefully other grandchildren. This is what I live for and is what I do!