MINSK, 11 October (BelTA) – Despite the difficult conditions, Belarus' energy system is operating steadily, Energy Minister Viktor Karankevich said at the opening of the Belarusian Energy and Ecology Forum, BelTA has learned.
“Despite the difficult conditions, the country's energy system is operating steadily. It ensures uninterrupted supply of energy to the real sector of the economy and households. The manufacturing and innovation potential of the industry and the upgrade of energy facilities carried out thanks to the support of the head of state enable us to quickly respond to external challenges, consolidate efforts and resources to address our most important task, which is boosting energy self-sufficiency and energy security of Belarus,” Viktor Karankevich said.
Representatives of government agencies, the academic and expert community will meet on the sidelines of the forum to discuss ways to fulfill this task, to work out proposals and specific recommendations to improve the efficiency of the energy industry in the new conditions, the minister noted.
The minister told reporters in more detail about the adaptation of the energy complex to the new environment shaped by the sanctions. “The industry is implementing a comprehensive import substitution policy. The capacities of domestic energy providers and manufacturers are being used to the maximum to substitute foreign equipment and spare parts and components using a new method called re-engineering,” Viktor Karankevich emphasized.
Service maintenance of equipment jointly with Russian companies is also under discussion. Meetings were held to discuss this matter, representatives of Belarusian organizations held talks in the Russian Federation. “There are specific proposals to scale up mutually beneficial cooperation, and we are currently working on them,” the minister added.
