Recent research conducted by V. A. Liubchyk from the Belarusian National Technical University sheds light on the economic viability of renewable energy sources in Belarus. The study, published in “Proceedings of Higher Educational Institutions and Energy of the CIS,” explores how the integration of renewables can significantly impact the cost of electricity generation in the country.
Utilizing scenario modeling, the research evaluates energy chains from resource extraction to final consumption, focusing on optimizing the energy system’s costs. The study proposes two scenarios that incorporate both existing and potential hydropower resources to balance the energy system. The findings indicate that by 2030, the cost of electricity production could range from 37.5 to 65.3 US dollars per megawatt-hour, depending on the approach taken and the type of nuclear power plants considered.
One of the most compelling aspects of the research is the identified potential for renewable energy. By 2025, solar energy production could reach between 0.91 and 1.45 billion kilowatt-hours per year, while wind energy could contribute between 1.55 and 2.39 billion kilowatt-hours. By 2030, these figures are expected to rise significantly, showcasing the substantial role renewables could play in the country’s energy landscape.
Liubchyk notes, “It became possible to find out that in the Republic of Belarus it is economically feasible and technically possible to replace up to 20.0% of electrical energy generation by 2030 with energy produced from renewable energy sources.” This shift not only presents an opportunity to diversify the energy mix but also to stabilize electricity costs in the long run.
The commercial implications of this research are notable. As Belarus looks to enhance its energy security and reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels, investments in renewable technologies could create new market opportunities. Companies involved in solar, wind, and hydropower technologies may find a growing demand for their products and services, fostering innovation and job creation within the sector.
Overall, Liubchyk’s study emphasizes the importance of integrating renewable energy sources into Belarus’s electricity generation framework, highlighting both the economic benefits and the potential for sustainable growth in the energy sector. The findings encourage stakeholders to consider renewables as a viable and essential component of the country’s energy future, as outlined in the research published in “Proceedings of Higher Educational Institutions and Energy of the CIS.”
