Solar power supply for the Gomel power system in Belarus

Is solar power possible in Belarus?

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. This means that concentrated solar power (CSP) generation is impractical, but production by means of solar PV is possible.

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.

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.

Are there hydropower resources in Belarus?

Hydropower resources in Belarus are deemed scarce, though there are opportunities for small hydro in the northern and central parts of the country. Total hydropower potential is estimated at 850 MW, including technically available potential of 520 MW and economically viable potential of 250 MW (0.44 Mtoe/year).

How is wood fuel used in Belarus?

The main emphasis in Belarus is on increasing the use of wood fuel, as it requires less capital investment than other types of renewable energy. Fuel from woody biomass (i.e. rough wood, pellets, chips and briquettes) is produced locally using modern harvesting and wood-chipping equipment.

How can Belarus improve the environment?

Environmental improvements are to be achieved with new technologies, construction, modernisation of existing infrastructure and industries, and environmental standards and regulations. Belarus is an Annex I Party to the Kyoto Protocol of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).