Events

MINSK, 16 November (BelTA) - The government needs to work out a comprehensive plan to promote the use of electricity in various fields, Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko said at the session held on 16 November to discuss ways to improve Belarus’ energy sector management on 16 November, BelTA has learned.

“The government should prepare a comprehensive and feasible plan to promote of use of electricity in the manufacturing sector, agriculture, transport, IT, housing and utilities sector, in everyday life, and other fields,” the head of state said.

In his words, this issue is inseparably connected with the development of the Belarusian energy sector. “Therefore, I urge those in charge not to wait to long and address this issue. We have enough capacities for raising electricity consumption today, soon we will have even more opportunities,” Alexander Lukashenko remarked.

He told government members that the level of electricity consumption is too small in Belarus. In this context, the president reminded about the future commissioning of the Belarusian nuclear power plant and stressed that the electricity generated there should be in demand. “This is the main priority in the reformation and improvement of this sector,” the head of state emphasized.

Alexander Lukashenko asked the government to inform him about a corresponding plan. “Moreover, the era of clean energy is upon us. Coal, natural gas and oil will be used less. Electric cars become more and more attractive than diesel or petrol cars. Therefore, you must realize this and prepare a comprehensive plan taking into account the balance of electricity production and consumption,” the Belarusian leader said.

“This is the main issue, so be prepared to discuss it in H1 2019,” the head of state stressed.

The president said that the specific consumption of electricity in Belarus is 2-3 times lower than in developed countries. “There is still something to strive for,” he said. “I am not speaking about energy saving. All that testifies to the small reliance of Belarusian manufacturing enterprises on electricity,” he said.

Alexander Lukashenko remarked that corresponding issues will be also addressed at the session to discuss investment projects. “And it is quiet in the government. Everybody wants to work on the strategy. This is the strategy: large-scale investment projects in Svetlogorsk, Dobrush, Bobruisk,” the head of state said.