In Belarus, electricity generation over the past year, from April 2025 to March 2026, reflects a distinct reliance on fossil fuels and low-carbon sources. Fossil fuels continue to dominate the landscape, accounting for more than half of the electricity generation, with gas contributing to 47% of the total. On the other hand, low-carbon sources make up a substantial 43% of the generation mix. Within this clean energy category, nuclear power is the dominant force, contributing to about 38% of the total electricity, which is a testament to its role as a major provider of clean energy. Hydropower and wind contribute smaller, yet vital, shares of 3% and 1% respectively. This blend of energy sources underscores Belarus's quest for a cleaner energy future while highlighting its ongoing dependence on fossil fuels.

Is Electricity Growing in Belarus?

Belarus, however, is currently witnessing a decline in overall electricity consumption per person, with the latest figures at 4954 kWh per person, down from the 2024 record of 5092 kWh per person. This change reveals a reduction of 138 kWh per person, reflecting an unsettling stagnation in electricity growth. Specifically, the low-carbon electricity generation has dipped slightly from its 2025 peak of 2169 kWh per person to 2125 kWh per person, registering a decline of 45 kWh per person. This declining trend raises concerns about the nation's capacity to meet future electricity demand, especially in light of growing global trends toward electrification and technological advancements such as AI which require a robust electricity infrastructure. An urgent need exists to reaffirm and bolster efforts in scaling clean electricity production, predominantly through low-carbon energy sources.

Suggestions

To enhance low-carbon electricity generation, Belarus can look towards expanding its nuclear capabilities, given its current substantial contribution to the electricity mix. Investing further in nuclear energy would capitalize on an existing foundation and have a significant impact. Moreover, embracing solar power, inspired by regions like Nevada and California where solar power contributes substantially to the electricity mix, can provide a complementary clean energy solution. Belarus can also draw lessons from wind energy successes in countries like Lithuania and Denmark, where wind energy forms a significant portion of electricity generation. An integrated strategy taking cues from these regions can position Belarus to increase its clean electricity production, thereby reducing fossil fuel dependency and achieving a sustainable energy future.

History

In terms of historical progress, Belarus's low-carbon journey has seen various phases. The early 2010s marked the gradual growth of hydro and wind power, while the late 2010s and early 2020s witnessed a substantial ramp-up in nuclear power output. Notably, nuclear power made significant gains with a 5.4 TWh increase in 2021, followed by another remarkable surge of 7.1 TWh in 2023. However, 2022 saw a concerning decline of 1.1 TWh in nuclear generation, which was fortunately rectified with subsequent increases in 2023 and 2024. The past year saw a slight pullback in nuclear output, indicating room for expansion to regain earlier momentum. Reflecting on the inconsistent generation patterns, especially the interruptions in nuclear expansion, it is clear that consolidating and advancing nuclear and other clean energies is vital for the nation's aspirational energy trajectory.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

* 12M = Last 12 months (Apr 2025 – Mar 2026) — a rolling 12-month period, not a calendar year.