Business news

IRENA releases Belarus’ renewables readiness assessment review

An archive photo

MINSK, 30July (BelTA) - International experts assessed Belarus' renewable energy resource potential, BelTA learned from the Energy Efficiency Department of the State Committee for Standardization of Belarus.

Belarus’ Renewables Readiness Assessment report by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) was launched online on 29 July. Belarus reached out to the agency with a request to conduct this study. It was held in cooperation with the State Committee for Standardization, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection, the Energy Ministry, the National Statistical Committee and other stakeholders. The report highlights key aspects of the current state of things in the country’s energy sector. In addition, it suggests drastic short-term and medium-term measures to improve legislative and departmental requirements with a view to increasing the use of renewable energy sources and reducing Belarus’ import dependence.

“This work relied on official publications and statistics, and was done in close collaboration with the inter-ministerial working group on the preparation of the report who helped to identify opportunities and develop solutions for harnessing renewable energy potential,” the department noted.

Mikhail Malashenko, Deputy Chairman of the State Committee for Standardization - Director of the Energy Efficiency Department, said that Belarus recognizes the key role of modern energy efficiency and carbon neutral technologies in the successful economic development of each country and the entire global community. The country has been continuously modernizing and implementing innovations in the energy sector, including measures to develop renewable energy and substitute fossil fuels with renewable energy sources. “The ongoing work is aimed at creating favorable living conditions for citizens, increasing the competitiveness of the national economy, reducing the negative impact on the environment and meeting its domestic and international obligations and goals,” he stressed.

Belarus believes that it is important to get an outside perspective on this problem, Mikhail Malashenko noted. The report describes the problems that should be addressed. According to him, its main goal is to highlight the challenges that hinder the development of renewable energy in the country and give recommendations for accelerating this process.

Mikhail Malashenko thanked IRENA for preparing the report and pointed out that Belarus hopes for future fruitful cooperation with the agency.

print version

make home page

add to bookmarks