How many solar energy installations are there in Belarus?

287 solar heating installations with total heat capacity of 3.9 MW th. Hydropower resources in Belarus are deemed scarce, though there are opportunities for small hydro in the northern and central parts of the country.

What is the solar power potential of Belarus?

Solar power potential is significant, mainly in the south and southeast of the country. In terms of global horizontal irradiation (GHI) and direct normal irradiation (DNI), most of Belarus receives only 1 100 kilowatt hours per square metre (kWh/m 2) to 1 400 kWh/m 2 of GHI, and around 1 000 kWh/m 2 of DNI.

What technology is used in Belarus?

The technology with the most mature local market is biomass, currently used mainly in heat generation. Belarus is still in the early stages of deploying wind, solar PV and biogas, although the technologies used in their development are considered mature and meet international standards.

How do feed-in tariffs and R&D subsidies affect photovoltaic energy production?

The feed-in tariff and R&D subsidy policies play a positive incentive to the photovoltaic installed capacity. The scale of subsidies is in inverse correlation with the distribution of solar energy resources in some regions. Energy is the basis for development of material civilization.

Does Belarus have a geothermal potential?

Belarus’s geothermal potential is relatively undiscovered, with only a few regions having been tested. Of the tested regions, the most promising geothermal energy potential lies in the Pripyat Trough (Gomel region) and the Podlasie-Brest Depression (Brest region), in dozens of abandoned deep wells.

Can Belarus produce bioenergy from wood residues?

Belarus’s potential for producing bioenergy from wood residues is significant, as forests cover about 40% of the country’s territory (9.5 million ha), 50% of which is mature solid biomass (wood). Solid biomass resources from waste wood suitable for producing bioenergy include firewood, timber, wood residue and fast-growing grey alder.