Kyrgyz company explores drone use in energy sector with Turkish partner

A Kyrgyz company has discussed the use of drones to monitor energy infrastructure with a Turkish renewable energy firm, the Kyrgyz Ministry of Economy said.

Representatives of Qarga Group and ZENA Elektrik ve Enerji A.Ş. held talks in Istanbul on August 15, Caliber.Az reports, citing Kyrgyz media.

The meeting was organised with the support of the Trade Representation of the Kyrgyz Republic in Türkiye.

The companies discussed technological and investment cooperation, with the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for monitoring energy facilities identified as a key area.

Qarga Group presented its own flying-wing UAV, designed for aerial monitoring and inspection of energy infrastructure.

The sides expressed interest in preparing an agreement with the National Electric Grid of Kyrgyzstan on using UAVs to monitor high-voltage power lines, solar power plants and other energy facilities in the country.

They also reached a preliminary agreement for specialists from ZENA Enerji to visit Kyrgyzstan to conduct field tests of the UAV.

Qarga Group co-founder Alexander Kim said the company hoped successful tests would lead to further commercial cooperation and the export of its products to foreign markets.

The two sides also discussed the potential for Turkish investment in Kyrgyzstan's solar energy sector.

By Aghakazim Guliyev