On the eve of the International Energy Saving Day – 2019

To draw public attention to the rational use of resources and the development of renewable energy sources, on November 11, 2008, the Republic of Belarus supported and joined the celebration of the International Energy Saving Day.

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 a state policy in the field of energy saving has been consistently pursued in our country for over 25 years. State administration in the field of energy saving is carried out by an authorized 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, modernization and development of innovations, 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 has been formed for the development of renewable energy sources, 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 allowed us to achieve significant results. The level

the energy efficiency of the domestic economy can be assessed by the indicator of energy intensity of gross domestic product. In 1990, Belarus was one of the most energy-intensive republics of the USSR. However, measures timely adopted by the Government of the Republic of Belarus and purposefully carried out work have largely determined the results in energy saving and ensuring a stable trend of reducing GDP energy intensity.

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 ways

energy saving and existing renewable energy sources. In many cities around the world, thematic conferences, exhibitions, and events are held on this day, and in educational institutions,  lessons dedicated to the topic of energy saving are conducted.

Every year in Belarus, the Department for Energy Efficiency and its regional inspectorates for the rational use of fuel and energy resources organize a series of thematic events for this day: seminars, conferences, round tables, where both Belarusian experts and representatives of international companies act as lecturers. A number of street events are organized; social advertising on energy saving topics is broadcast 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 quiz games.

One of the most important tasks facing the Department is the popularization of the economic, environmental, and social benefits of efficient use of fuel and energy resources, and the promotion of the use of local types of fuel, including renewable energy sources. And here, of course, it is very important that the state energy-saving policy, enshrined in legislation, receives a response and as broad support as possible in society. Acting as a supervisory and control body for the implementation of energy-saving programs, measures, and targets, the Departmentsimultaneously disseminates information on methods and practical results of saving fuel and energy resources.

The Department closely cooperates with electronic and print media. It is interested in having republican and local media convey expert opinions of specialists, convincing arguments for energy saving, striking facts and accurate figures to the public.

Energy saving is economically beneficial for every citizen and the state as a whole. Measures for saving energy resources are two and a half – 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 anyone and can be applied in everyday life everywhere. Methodological recommendations, training manuals, as well as practical methods for efficient use of energy resources in everyday life can be found on the official website of the Department.energy efficiency www.energoeffekt,gov.by

Saving energy resources means being a modern, educated citizen, thinking about the prosperity of your country, the well-being and health of your family.