Belarus has no plans to import large amounts of electricity from Ukraine

Belarus does not plan to import large amounts of electricity from Ukraine, Belarus’ Energy Minister Vladimir Potupchik told media ahead of the final ministerial meeting on 26 February, BelTA has learned.

Speaking about the memorandum Belenergo signed with Ukraine’s DTEK Energo, Vladimir Potupchik stressed that it is “purely technical”.

“There are some areas in Gomel Oblast where our power grids enter Ukraine. There is also a mutual exchange of electricity. It does not mean, however, that we are talking here about any large import supplies,” the minister added.

Vladimir Potupchik pointed out that Belarus has been steadily reducing the electricity import and is going to completely stop it in 2018.

Belarus imported 7.9 billion kWh in 2012, 6.7 billion kWh in 2013 and 3.8 billion kWh in 2014, 2.8 billion kWh in 2015. The country is set to purchase 2.5 billion kWh abroad in 2016.