Electricity in Belarus in 2022

In 2022, Belarus's electricity consumption was overwhelmingly dominated by fossil energy sources, with more than four-fifths of its electricity generated from fossil fuels, predominantly gas, which alone accounted for nearly 80% of the total. Low-carbon energy sources, on the other hand, contributed a modest share, accounting for approximately 16% of electricity generation. Within this low-carbon category, nuclear energy was the most significant contributor, generating around 12% of the country’s electricity. Contributions from biofuels and hydropower were minimal, each accounting for about 1% of electricity generation. This heavy reliance on fossil fuels underscores the need for Belarus to transition towards cleaner sources of electricity in order to reduce its carbon footprint and mitigate the impacts of climate change and air pollution associated with fossil fuel consumption.

Suggestions

To increase its share of low-carbon electricity, Belarus can focus on expanding its existing nuclear power infrastructure, which already plays a substantial role in the country's electricity mix. By further developing nuclear capabilities, Belarus can significantly reduce its dependence on fossil fuels, akin to successful nuclear-reliant countries such as Slovakia and Ukraine, where nuclear power produces more than half of the electricity. Additionally, Belarus might consider diversifying its low-carbon portfolio by exploring opportunities in wind and solar energy, learning from countries like Denmark and Lithuania, which have successfully harnessed these clean energy sources to a large extent. By adopting these strategies, Belarus can work towards a more sustainable, clean, and secure energy future.

History

The history of low-carbon electricity generation in Belarus over the past decade reveals modest growth punctuated by a notable development in nuclear energy. Early in the 2010s, contributions from biofuels, hydro, and solar remained negligible, showing little to no change in generation capacity. However, from 2017 onwards, there was incremental progress, particularly in solar and hydro, with slight increases each year. The most significant leap occurred in 2021 when nuclear power experienced a substantial increase of 5.4 TWh, marking a pivotal point in diversifying the country's electricity mix towards low-carbon sources. Although there was a slight setback in 2022, with a 1.1 TWh reduction in nuclear generation, the foundational steps taken highlight Belarus's potential to further progress by embracing nuclear alongside refining contributions from wind and solar energies.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources