BELARUS NEWS AND ANALYSIS

DATE:

24/01/2007

Belarus is reconsidering fuel-energy balance in wake of price hikes

MINSK, January 24 (Itar-Tass) -- In the wake of rises in the prices of energy resources and changes to the terms of their supplies Belarus has been reconsidering its fuel and energy consumption balance, the first deputy chairman of the National Academy of Sciences' presidium, Pyotr Vityaz, said on Wednesday.

A special working group is being created and it is expected to present its ideas and solutions within two weeks from now.

The energy consumption balance will be reconsidered in favor of shifting the Belarussian economy to the innovative path of development and the creation of new industries.

The share of local fuels - peat, firewood, shale and brown coal will be increased. Belarus will make better use of alternative sources, such as hydropower, windmill-driven generators and solar cell panels.

The task is to build up the share of locally produced and alternative energy resources to 15 percent, Vityaz said.

The scientist said the possibility was being considered of "importing energy resources not only from Russia, but also from other countries, such as Azerbaijan, Venezuela, Iran and Kazakhstan."

In particular, Vityaz dwelt on the outlook for a wider use of nuclear power, adding that plans were being considered for the construction of a nuclear power plant.

"Such questions as the choice of a site, bidding contests and selection of sources of financing are still to be resolved," he said.

The scientist believes that the recent energy conflict between Belarus and Russia pushed Belarus closer to Europe.

"Europe is alarmed, too, and it has set the task of formulating an EU energy security concept," he said.

Source:

http://www.itar-tass.com/eng/level2.html?NewsID=11185973&PageNum=0