MINSK, 27 January (BelTA) - Belarus will reduce annual natural gas import by 5 billion cubic meters by 2020, reads updated directive No. 3 “Concerning the priorities in strengthening the economic security of the state” which was approved by decree No. 26 of 26 January 2016, BelTA has learned.
The updated directive envisages the measures to increase the level of the country's energy security. The Council of Ministers shall take steps to reduce risks and ensure smooth energy supply. After the Belarusian nuclear power plant is commissioned, greenhouse gas emissions will be reduced down to 7 million tonnes a year by 2020 as up to 5 billion cubic meters of natural gas will be replaced in the country's fuel balance.
The country will make maximum use of its own fuel-energy resources, including renewable energy. Thus, the share of primary energy in the fuel and energy consumption shall amount to no less than 16%, the share of primary energy from renewable sources not less than 6%.
It is also planned to restrain growth in consumption of fuel and energy resources, bring the GDP energy intensity converted to purchasing power parity down to the world average indicators, and promote energy efficiency, including through financial support. The country shall develop less energy-intensive manufactures, make use of energy-saving equipment, devices and materials.
It is also planned to improve management of the power grid and create separate economic entities to supervise various activities (production, transmission, distribution and sale of electricity and heat energy).
The country's energy security will be assessed using specific indicators, the main of which will be the ratio of the volume of primary energy production to gross consumption of fuel and energy resources.
