What is Belarus' energy policy?

Energy policy in Belarus focuses on providing reliable energy while reducing imports dependence. The government is contemplating attractive investment measures and fuel diversification to include more coal and renewables into the country's energy mix.

What is the solar power potential of Belarus?

Solar power potential is significant, mainly in the south and southeast of the country. In terms of global horizontal irradiation (GHI) and direct normal irradiation (DNI), most of Belarus receives only 1 100 kilowatt hours per square metre (kWh/m 2) to 1 400 kWh/m 2 of GHI, and around 1 000 kWh/m 2 of DNI.

How many solar energy installations are there in Belarus?

287 solar heating installations with total heat capacity of 3.9 MW th. Hydropower resources in Belarus are deemed scarce, though there are opportunities for small hydro in the northern and central parts of the country.

Does Belarus have a geothermal potential?

Belarus’s geothermal potential is relatively undiscovered, with only a few regions having been tested. Of the tested regions, the most promising geothermal energy potential lies in the Pripyat Trough (Gomel region) and the Podlasie-Brest Depression (Brest region), in dozens of abandoned deep wells.

How is wood fuel used in Belarus?

The main emphasis in Belarus is on increasing the use of wood fuel, as it requires less capital investment than other types of renewable energy. Fuel from woody biomass (i.e. rough wood, pellets, chips and briquettes) is produced locally using modern harvesting and wood-chipping equipment.

Are there hydropower resources in Belarus?

Hydropower resources in Belarus are deemed scarce, though there are opportunities for small hydro in the northern and central parts of the country. Total hydropower potential is estimated at 850 MW, including technically available potential of 520 MW and economically viable potential of 250 MW (0.44 Mtoe/year).