OREANDA-NEWS. February 20, 2008. In 2008, Belarus is set to funnel $1,56 billion into modernisation of the energy system and energy saving, Energy Minister Alexander Ozerets said at a session of the Presidium of the Council of Ministers. The session focused on the measures to be taken in 2008 to implement the national comprehensive programme aimed at upgrading key assets of the Belarusian grid, energy saving and increasing the use of local fuels until 2011. The session was chaired by Prime Minister Sergei Sidorsky.

According to Alexander Oserets, the total financing of the programme will amount to $1,561-1,751 billion in 2008. $601 million will be put into modernisation of the energy system. Some $960 million-$1150 million will be funneled into energy-saving measures, including $260 million – into increasing the use of local fuels.

The Energy Minister said that in 2008 the 299WHt capacities will be sent in service at the Energy Ministry companies. The 98Mwt capacities will be put in operation at the companies of the Belneftekhim concern, Industry Ministry and other sectors

The country’s energy saving is expected to make up at least 1.4 million tonnes of fuel equipment in 2008. The use of local fuels will go up to reach 4.259 million tonnes of fuel equivalent.

Alexander Ozerets noted that in 2008 the companies of the Energy Ministry would complete five investment projects on construction of new generating capacities. Thus, by April the Lukoml state district power plant will finish the modernization of energy unit #2. The project will help save up to 15 thousand tonnes of fuel equivalent per year, or $1.8 million. In May Gomel CHP plant #2 will install a 4MW turbine expander. In August the Lida CHP plant will be fitted with a 25MW gas turbine. In October Minsk CHP plant #3 will complete the construction of a 230MW steam and gas power generating unit to save up to 150 thousand tonnes of fuel equivalent, or nearly $18 million. At the end of 2008 the boiler-house “Zhlobin” will be fitted with a 25MW gas piston equipment.

In 2008 the country will replace 174.8 kilometers of the heating network, construct and reconstruct 2.2 thousand kilometers of the transmission network. In 2008 the country will construct three new and reconstruct seven substations to provide new houses in Minsk with electricity.