Belarus Unveils Its Energy Security Concept
Text of report by Belarusian TV on 10 September
[Presenter] A draft blueprint for Belarus’s energy security for the period until 2020 has been approved by the country’s president [Alyaksandr Lukashenka]. The chairman of the presidium
of the National Academy of Sciences, Mikhail Myasnikovich, and the presidential aide, Syarhey Tkachow, presented the document to Alyaksandr Lukashenka today.
This blueprint is rather different from the document dated 2005. The new document is of a more comprehensive character. It takes into account the situation on the energy market, including the increase in prices for Russian energy resources.
The head of state made significant amendments [to the document] at a conference in Navapolatsk back in January. For the first time, the document includes a provision on creating a long-term balance of fuel and energy resources until 2020. All plans for the country’s social, economic and innovative development will be drafted based on the blueprint.
[Tkachow] This document and its implementation will make it possible to ensure the country’s real energy security, which means economic, political and industrial security. It other words, this is becoming a key document for our country.
[Speaking in an interview with Belarusian Radio at 1600 gmt on 10 September, Myasnikovich said that the draft blueprint provides for energy-saving measures for ministries, companies and regions. Myasnikovich also said that the blueprint provides for a wider use of coal, the diversification of its imports and the construction of three coal power stations. The draft blueprint provides for the creation by 2020 of gas reserves to ensure the economy's stable performance for the period of 45 days in winter and oil reserves that should ensure the economy's functioning for 90 days in winter, he said.]
Originally published by Belarusian television, Minsk, in Russian 1600 10 Sep 07.
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