Plans to speed up upgrade of power distribution networks in Belarus

MINSK, 31 October (BelTA) – The Energy Ministry intends to accelerate the upgrade of power distribution networks, Energy Minister Viktor Karankevich told the media after delivering a report to Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko on the completion of the BelNPP construction and measures to increase the availability of electricity for house heating, BelTA has learned.

“We will keep working to upgrade the power grid infrastructure in order to enhance the comfort of living for households (primarily in rural areas) and to make electrical energy more affordable to the real sector of the economy,” the energy minister said. According to him, this year the volume of the power grid upgrade and construction has expanded from 1,700 km to 2,300 km. The goal for 2024 is 3,000 km.

Over 1,600 km of the main high-voltage power lines were upgraded. New 330 kV lines were built. “Electric energy generated by the nuclear power plant is already transmitted to all regions of our country. Both households and economic entities across the country can use it. In other words, the network infrastructure is already used for electricity transmission,” Viktor Karankevich informed.

Now the focus is on the upgrade of the power distribution network, he said. This work is already underway keeping in mind the needs not only of existing settlements but also potential needs of prospective communities and production facilities. According to him, about 5,600 km of power networks in more than 1,500 settlements will be upgraded this year (this is envisaged by the 2021-2025 program). A strategic energy sector development program for 2026-2030 is already in the works.