That's a nice read, fascinating.
So, what is the average power rate for mining in Kyrgyzstan? I know it surely depends on what size we're talking about, but just your average 1MW farm—is it below 5 cents/kWh? Also, what about security? I don't know about Kyrgyzstan, but in some other places, I know you have to bribe the police or pay someone to protect your farm. Do things work like that in Kyrgyzstan, or is it "really" a safe place for foreign miners?
Anyway, it's good to see mining expanding more and more in that region. I hope to see it expand more in Asia, Africa, and other places where mining isn't all that popular. This adds a lot to mining decentralization, which is good for everything Bitcoin.
Thank you!
About the average rate... the prices are really negotiable and depend on one's connections within the local establishment, so to speak. Same applies to police protection. I am sure foreigners may experience different things, including extortion, but this project included well connected parties, so we haven't faced any of that.
Since the government wants to buy all hydro power available for about 4-5 cents per kWh (I don't remember exactly), I would assume it makes the average price for miners 6 cents per kWh with maintenance.
Security is another "must have" expense, that place has armed guards and walls around it with barbed wire on top.
In regards to Africa, mining became extremely popular in Ethiopia. They got hydropower and tons of investments from leading manufacturers, including Bitmain. But things have been happening there for several years already, so not sure if there's much more power available.
According to Google, Democratic Republic of the Congo has huge potential in hydropower development, but not many investors have the balls of steel to go there.