Renewable energy in BelarusAs of 2021[update], there is little renewable energy in Belarus.[1] 7% of primary energy in Belarus was from renewables in 2019, mostly biofuels.[1]: 40 As there is a lot of district heating, more renewables could be integrated into the heat distribution system,[1]: 44 but this is hindered by fossil fuel subsidies.[1]: 62 PolicyA 2021 study by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) recommended:[1]: 11–14
ProducersAbout half of the energy is produced by independent power producers.[1]: 34 EconomicsIn 2019, energy imports cost 5.5% of the national GDP, which could be reduced by increasing renewable energy production. According to IRENA, increasing renewable energy production would also create jobs and increase energy security.[1] Sources of energyBiomassThere is large potential from wood waste, crop residue, and biogas from manure;[1]: 40–41 About 10% of district heating is biomass.[1]: 29 Solar power
As of 2021[update] there is little use of solar power in Belarus but much potential as part of the expansion of renewable energy in Belarus, as the country has few fossil fuel resources and imports much of its energy.[2] At the end of 2019 there was just over 150MW produced by solar power.[2]: 29 Wind power
GeothermalAlthough the crust below Belarus is not hot enough for electricity generation it may be possible to integrate geothermal energy into district heating.[1]: 44 HydroelectricityAlthough small hydroelectric power plants were common before the national grid, there is now less than 100MW produced, since Belarus is mostly flat.[1]: 30 External links
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