A World Bank team headed by Mr. Pekka Salminen, Senior Energy Specialist, has briefed mass-media representatives on preparation of a proposed new energy efficiency project and results of joint energy efficiency programs. Representatives of Department for Energy Efficiency of the State Committee for Standardization took part in the briefing.
“Improvement of energy efficiency is a priority area for Belarus cooperation with the World Bank. The country has made significant efforts to reduce energy intensity and improve efficiency in energy sector but there is still much to be done. The World Bank is ready to support energy security of the country. This month we are reviewing potential field sites proposed by Belarusian partners for the new project and discussing implementation arrangements,” said Mr. Pekka Salminen.
Currently, two energy efficiency projects are being implemented in Belarus with World Bank’s financial support totaling USD$ 65 million. Post Chernobyl Recovery Project was approved in 2006 and Additional Financing for Social Infrastructure Retrofitting Project was approved in late 2007 and ratified by the Belarusian Parliament last week. The initial Social Infrastructure Retrofitting Project was supported by a World Bank loan for US$22.6 million and the associated PHRD grant for climate change. They were successfully completed in March 2008. The loan funds were used to retrofit about 700 social sphere buildings serving 550 000 people in 116 settlements across the country.
The proposed operation is aimed at improving energy security and reducing environmental emissions through energy efficiency. It will preliminary focus on the following activities:
- conversion of large heat-only-boilers (HOBs) operated by Belenergo to combined heat and power (CHP) plants;
-conversion of HOBs with support of Energy Efficiency Department to mini-CHPs in medium size towns of Belarus.
The preliminary project’ cost estimate of about US$ 100 million will be verified during the preparation and agreed during negotiations.
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