PETRIKOV DISTRICT, 24 May (BelTA) - Switching to the use of pellets for heating needs is not import substitution, but import independence, Forestry Minister Aleksandr Kulik told the media on 24 May, BelTA has learned.
There are 64 pellet production facilities in Belarus. They are capable of producing 900,000 tonnes of products per year. Initial plans to launching these enterprises were set up were to ship pellets to the EU market. Back at the time it could consume 12.5 million tonnes of products. However, after the sanctions were imposed, the decision was taken to actively develop the domestic market.
“Our work in this area includes the stimulation of pellet consumption among households and gradual movement away from the use of gas. Switching to pellets is not import substitution, it is import independence,” said Aleksandr Kulik.
Last year, 43,000 tonnes of pellets were consumed in Belarus. The target for this year is 80,000 tonnes of products. “This is only the beginning. By 2027, we are set to reach the consumption of about 200,000 tonnes,” the minister said.
Aleksandr Kulik went on saying that the pellet production facilities were set up with a view to processing sawdust. Now money is made literally from what lies underfoot. “Last year domestic production generated 680,000 cubic meters of sawdust. 2.5 cubic meters of sawdust is needed to produce one tonne of pellets. The Forestry Ministry created capacities for the production of 200,000-250,000 tonnes of products,” the minister said. “There is enough waste in the forest. We do not have demand for 3 million cubic meters of firewood, which is stocked in warehouses. Therefore, we can even increase pellet production capacity if there is a demand.”
According to the minister, in January-April 2025 households purchased 250 pellet boilers. The figures kept under 20 throughout the previous year.
Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko demands that pellet production should be profitable. According to the head of state, the sector should not rely on the support of other areas. It should be self-sufficient.”
"Yes, it is waste, which lies under our feet. But the president demands that waste should also bring profits. We will work on the price and reduction of production costs,” Aleksandr Kulik added.
Follow us on:
