In 2024, electricity consumption in Belarus is characterized by a significant reliance on both fossil fuels and low-carbon energy sources. More than half of the country's electricity, specifically 59.57%, is generated from fossil fuels, with gas alone contributing a substantial share of 58.7%. On the low-carbon front, nearly 40% of electricity, precisely 39.08%, comes from clean sources. Notably, nuclear power is a dominant force in this category, accounting for 36.01% of the electricity mix. Other low-carbon sources such as biofuels and net imports play smaller roles, contributing 1.24% and 1.35%, respectively. The data reflects a commendable commitment to low-carbon energy, with nuclear power forming the backbone of Belarus's clean electricity generation.
Is Electricity Growing in Belarus?
The growth of electricity consumption in Belarus is evident in the latest data, which shows a significant increase from historical levels. The total electricity consumption for 2024 reached 5,092 kWh per person, surpassing the previous record set in 1991 by 271 kWh per person. Remarkably, the low-carbon electricity generation also saw a remarkable upswing, achieving 1,990 kWh per person, an increase of 556 kWh per person from the last record set in 2023. This growth in electricity consumption, especially in the low-carbon sector, is a positive trend, indicating Belarus's commitment to expanding cleaner energy sources and reducing its reliance on fossil fuels.
Suggestions
To further enhance its low-carbon electricity generation, Belarus should focus on expanding its existing nuclear capability, which already contributes significantly to its electricity mix. Learning from successful regions, Belarus could draw inspiration from France, where nuclear energy constitutes around 69% of the electricity mix, making it a leader in low-carbon energy generation. Additionally, Belarus could look to increase solar energy capacity by examining regions like Lebanon, where solar power contributes 31% to the electricity grid. By taking cues from these places and investing in nuclear and solar energy, Belarus can significantly boost its low-carbon electricity generation while detracting from the environmental impacts of fossil fuels.
History
Over the past decade, Belarus has seen significant developments in its low-carbon electricity sector. In the early 2010s, there was small but steady progress in hydroelectricity and solar power, with hydro growing by 0.1 TWh in 2013 and solar achieving incremental gains in the following years. The initial rise of nuclear power was particularly dramatic in 2021 when it surged by 5.4 TWh, though it decreased by 1.1 TWh in 2022. This was promptly remedied in 2023 with a massive boost of 7.1 TWh and was followed by a solid increase of 4.8 TWh in 2024. Meanwhile, biofuels saw modest fluctuations, beginning with a 0.1 TWh increase in 2019, peaking with 0.3 TWh in 2020, and stabilizing in the following years. This history underscores the strategic importance of nuclear energy in Belarus’s low-carbon electricity generation portfolio, demonstrating its critical role in achieving sustainable energy growth.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.