WB to discuss joint energy efficient projects in Belarus
MINSK. March 12. KAZINFORM Experts of the World Bank will discuss joint energy-efficient projects while in Belarus on a working visit from 12-16 March, BelTA learnt from the energy efficiency department of the State Committee for Standardization.
The program of the visit includes a number of working meetings in the energy efficiency department with the participation of specialists from the Utilities Ministry as well as in the Belinvestenergosberezheniye Company to take stock of the progress made in the implementation of joint projects between Belarus and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (WB's main credit institution) and discuss the launch of a technical support project, the Use of Biomass in Energy.
Besides, the World Bank experts are expected to visit central boilers in the towns of Kalinkovichi and Starye Dorogi proposed for an analysis for a new joint full-scale investment project.
The WB specialists will meet with local authorities, oblast forestry associations, utilities services to discuss practical issues of logging, preparation and use of fuelwood.
"After the working sessions the World Bank experts will prepare a memorandum, and recommendations for the implementation of the technical assistance project "Biomass Energy" for further qualitative implementation of the new investment project," informed the department.
This year Belarus continues to implement two investment projects involving the loans from the IBRD. The first one is aimed at improving energy efficiency in the country. The IRBD has allocated $125 million for this project. The project is designed to run in 2009-2014. This year there are plans to use $43.3 million worth of the IBRD loan. The annual savings of fuel and energy resources under the project will amount to 86,300 tonnes of fuel equivalent. Co2 emissions are estimated to reduce by 137,000 tonnes per year.
Belarus will also continue to implement the project for the rehabilitation of the Chernobyl affected areas (supplementary loan). The IBRD has extended a $30mn loan to implement the project. This year it is planned to utilize $10.7 million. The project is scheduled to be completed in 2013. The annual savings of fuel and energy resources under project will make up 19,900 tonnes of fuel equivalent. Co2 emissions are estimated to reduce by 4,400 tonnes per year.