Manson hydro project one stop on Kyrgyzstan governor’s tour
Larry Hibbard of Manson shows a small turbine runner to Kydykbek Isaev, governor of the Issyk-Kul region of Kyrgyzstan. In the foreground (with backs turned) are PUD Commissioner Randy Smith and translator Natalya Goncharova. The runner was recently replaced after being in service at the 5-kilowatt project for 20-some years.
A Manson orchardist’s renewable power project has drawn the interest of a governor from Kyrgyzstan.
Kydykbek Isaev, governor of the Issyk-Kul region of Kyrgyzstan, visited the small hydro installation on Lower Joe Creek at the home of Larry Hibbard and Mary Murphy earlier this month. The visit was part of a day-long tour arranged by Chelan County PUD Commissioner Randy Smith. Smith and the governor were joined by interpreter Natalya Goncharova and PUD Commissioner Dennis Bolz.
The governor is interested in how small hydro and irrigation technology might benefit farmers in Kyrgyzstan, Smith said.
Hibbard told the group how his 5-kilowatt project is powered by water that travels through about 1,500 feet of six-inch pipe above Joe Creek Falls to the power plant 120 feet below. The power plant consists of a six-inch-diameter Pelton-style wheel with a two-jet system that provides flexibility for operating with varying seasonal water volumes.
The system has been producing electricity for 27 years. Since 2004, it’s been producing power as part of the PUD’s Sustainable Natural Alternative Power (SNAP) program.
Smith said the governor’s main focus in coming to the U.S. was to meet with officials in Washington, D.C. But the side trip to North Central Washington was suggested by Zamira Sydykova, ambassador to the U.S. and Canada, who had visited the Wenatchee area in May. Smith had coordinated a tour for the ambassador and she suggested the follow-up visit to the governor.
The tour included stops at TreeTop, two local orchards, Blue Star Growers in Cashmere, and a small hydro project on the west canal of the Columbia Basin Irrigation Project.
Hibbard and Murphy shared Aplets and Cotlets fruit candy with their grateful guests.
Smith’s connection stems from a friendship with Seattle attorney Gary Furlong, who Smith said “has a long-standing desire for the Northwest to help in economic development of that region. He’s worked tirelessly for years and years to that end.” Smith and Furlong met while involved in the Washington Agriculture and Forestry Leadership Program.
Smith said Kyrgyzstan is one of the major fruit-producing regions of central Asia. The governor commented that the Wenatchee area felt like home to him, Smith said.
Smith will soon find that out for himself. He plans to visit Kyrgyzstan later this year. In the meantime, he’s working with Chelan County and the Port District to develop a sister city-type relationship with the Issyk-Kul region.
Larry Hibbard and his wife Mary Murphy (center) hosted (from left) translator Natalya Goncharova, PUD Commissioners Dennis Bolz and Randy Smith, and Kyrgyzstan regional governor Kydykbek Isaev.
