In order to draw public attention to the rational use of resources and the development of renewable energy sources, the Republic of Belarus supported and joined the celebration of the International Energy Saving Day on November 11, 2008.
In order to draw public attention to the rational use of resources and the development of renewable energy sources, the Republic of Belarus supported and joined the celebration of the International Energy Saving Day on November 11, 2008.
This holiday has acquired international status, as about 20 countries wished to participate in the project.
Belarus has something to be proud of in this area, as the country has consistently pursued a state policy in the field of energy saving for over 25 years. State administration in the field of energy saving is carried out by an authorised republican body, which is the Department for Energy Efficiency of the State Committee for Standardization of the Republic of Belarus.
Documents adopted in the field of energy saving and energy efficiency take into account modern realities and challenges, orient all spheres of economic and social life towards the constant implementation of energy-efficient technologies, modernisation and innovation adoption, and the formation and education of a culture of thrifty attitude towards energy resources.
The development of the national economy, its most important sectors – industry and energy – is inextricably linked with energy saving.
Serious work is being carried out in the republic to increase the use of local fuel and energy resources as alternatives to oil and gas. A long-term policy for the development of renewable energy sources has been formed, the share of which in the gross consumption of fuel and energy resources has increased and already reached 6.2 percent.
The share of local fuel and energy resources in the gross consumption of fuel and energy resources increased by 0.8 percent compared to 2010 and reached 15.5 percent.
Electricity generation at hydroelectric power plants increased 3.2 times, and at wind turbines – 75 times. Over the past four years, electricity generation by solar installations has increased 70 times.
Systematic work in the field of energy saving has yielded significant results. The energy efficiency level of the national economy can be assessed by the energy intensity of gross domestic product. In 1990, Belarus was one of the most energy-intensive republics of the USSR. However, timely measures taken by the Government of the Republic of Belarus and purposefully conducted work have largely determined the results in energy saving and ensured a sustainable trend in reducing the energy intensity of GDP.
According to the latest data from the International Energy Agency, in 2016, the actual GDP energy intensity of Belarus was 0.16 tonnes of oil equivalent per 1 thousand US dollars (GDP at purchasing power parity and in 2010 prices) compared to 0.55 tonnes of oil equivalent per 1 thousand US dollars in 1990, i.e., it decreased by almost 3.5 times compared to 1990.
The Republic of Belarus has reached the energy intensity level of developed countries with similar climatic conditions, such as Canada and Finland.
On the International Day of Energy Saving, events are held in all countries where this holiday is celebrated, the main task of which is to inform people about the importance of saving energy resources, about methods of energy saving and existing renewable energy sources. In many cities around the world, thematic conferences, exhibitions and campaigns are held on this day, and lessons dedicated to the topic of energy saving are held in educational institutions.
Annually in Belarus, for this day, the Department for Energy Efficiency and its regional inspectorates for the rational use of fuel and energy resources organise a series of thematic events: seminars, conferences, round tables, where both Belarusian experts and representatives of international companies act as lecturers. A number of street campaigns are organised; broadcasts of social advertising on energy saving topics on television channels and in public transport; press tours to energy-saving facilities; in educational institutions - open lessons and information hours with the participation of local government officials, drawing contests and entertaining quizzes.
One of the most important tasks facing the Department is to popularise the economic, environmental, and social benefits of efficient use of fuel and energy resources, and to promote the use of local types of fuel, including renewable energy sources. It is crucial, of course, that the state policy on energy saving, enshrined in law, receives a response and as broad support as possible in society. Acting as a supervisory and control body for the implementation of energy-saving programmes, measures, and targets, the Department simultaneously disseminates information on methods and practical results of fuel and energy resource saving.
The Department closely cooperates with electronic and print media. It is interested in ensuring that national and local media convey expert opinions of specialists, convincing arguments in favour of energy saving, striking facts, and accurate figures to the public.
Energy saving is economically beneficial for every citizen and for the state as a whole. Measures for saving energy resources are two and a half to three times cheaper than the production and delivery to consumers of the same amount of newly generated energy.
The simplest energy-saving methods are accessible to everyone and can be applied in everyday life everywhere. Methodological recommendations, training manuals, as well as practical methods for the efficient use of energy resources in everyday life can be found on the official website of the Department for Energy Efficiency at www.energoeffekt,gov.by
Saving energy resources means being a modern, educated citizen who thinks about the prosperity of their country, and the well-being and health of their family.