MINSK, 2 October (BelTA) - State programs on the construction of energy sources using local fuels should be reviewed and adjusted before 1 November, Belarusian Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko said during a meeting of the Presidium of the Council of Ministers on 2 October, BelTA has learned.
“The construction of new energy sources with the use of local fuels and conversion of existing facilities into the use of these types of fuel is a strategic task for the country, the solution of which will reduce dependence on imported energy carriers, will significantly save foreign currency for the country, provide energy and economic security. We have enough resources used to replace imported fuel. We even have a surplus. Nature helps us in this,” Roman Golovchenko said.
This strategic task is solved through the implementation of two state programs, namely Energy Saving and Comfortable Housing and Favorable Environment. “We need to consider in detail the implementation of the activities of these programs, any existing shortcomings and unresolved issues,” the prime minister said.
“It is obvious that the state programs require adjustments and clarifications, taking into account the changed conditions. Adjustments should be made no later than 1 November 2024. We need to determine the list of facilities that require completion within the current five-year period. In case of insufficient funding for these facilities, governors together with the responsible customers and the Finance Ministry need to identify sources. These lists of facilities should be specified by the type of fuel used, taking into account the tasks set by the president and the government. In order to compile the state program for the next five-year period it is necessary to define a strategy for the development of the energy system and construction of energy sources for at least the medium term. The deadline for the strategy is Q1 2025, and we will consider it in the government,” Roman Golovchenko said.
According to him, much has been done in recent years and the results are already noticeable. “The country has its own successfully operating manufacturers of boiler equipment using local fuels, special-purpose equipment. Necessary infrastructure has been developed to produce, transport, and store wood and peat fuel. The country has developed a full-cycle construction of energy sources using local fuels, starting from their design and ending with their operation and subsequent modernization. In Belarus there are about 10,500 energy sources, more than half of which are powered by local fuel and energy resources. The corresponding figures in housing and utilities organizations are even higher - about 70%,” the head of government said.
Over the first three years of the state program Energy Saving additional capacity of 234 MW was created to replace 60 million cubic meters of natural gas and reduce costs by 16-19%. About Br146 million of corporate and budget funds and Br112 million of other sources have already been allocated for these purposes. “Certain results have been achieved but they are ambiguous both in terms of the pace of implementation and the degree of fulfillment of measures, as well as in terms of identifying sources of funding to complete the activities. There are shortcomings in some regions, as well as insufficient coordination on the part of government bodies - responsible customers of state programs,” Roman Golovchenko said.
“Since 2022, the situation with attracting international funding for these purposes has changed, and this was one of the significant sources of funding for measures to build new energy sources on local fuels. But, as in the case of roads and bridges, there was an opportunity to quietly solve all the problems of financing related to the replacement of external sources. Decrees on financing many such projects were adopted. Those who were interested in the matter, solved it. To get financing there was a need to prepare a project, undertake an expert examination and so on. Here I would like to praise Minsk Oblast. At the same time, in accordance with the materials provided by the State Committee for Standardization, local budget funds were allocated very unevenly across the regions. Where were the regulator and responsible customers? What measures have been taken? I am waiting for these answers in these reports,” the prime minister stressed.
Conversion of energy sources to pellet fuel is a separate task. According to the head of government, the country has developed significant capacities, which should be maximally utilized in the country's energy system. The State Committee for Standardization has submitted a draft resolution of the Council of Ministers providing for the approval of a set of measures and tasks for the use of pellets.
Follow us on:
