On July 16, Minsk / Olga Belyavskaya - BELTA /. The Vitebsk branch of Belarusian Railways is implementing new energy-saving technologies, BELTA was informed by the press service of Belarusian Railways. During the project implementation at Vitebsk station, in the Vitebsk locomotive depot and Vitebsk carriage depot, vacuum solar collectors of domestic production have been installed. "The implementation of helium systems has been underway at the branch since 2008," the press service said. "A total of 12 solar collectors have been installed at the structural units. All of them are designed for heating water during the inter-heating period, meet modern environmental requirements, and allow for an annual saving of over 200 tonnes of conventional fuel." Over the past five years, the Vitebsk branch has reduced its consumption of fuel and energy resources in comparable conditions by 20%. Last year, over 100 energy-saving measures were implemented at the branch's enterprises, saving more than 1.6 thousand tonnes of conventional fuel. This year, work on optimising technological processes and introducing innovations will continue. "The use of alternative energy sources is a promising ecological use of natural resources, gaining popularity worldwide," the press service added. "Belarusian Railways is directly involved in the implementation of the National Programme for the Development of Local and Renewable Energy Sources for 2011-2015." The railway company takes a comprehensive approach to addressing energy-saving issues. During 2012, the installation of helium water heating systems and heat pumps at the enterprises of all Belarusian Railways branches is planned. The use of LED lighting will be expanded, and worn-out equipment and heat pipelines will be replaced. In addition, a number of energy-saving measures will be aimed at increasing the use of local fuels and secondary energy resources. -0-

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