Belarus, Russia's Sverdlovsk Oblast agree on cooperation in energy

MINSK, 28 March (BelTA) - Belarus and Sverdlovsk Oblast of Russia have agreed to develop cooperation in the energy sector. Joint projects were discussed at the meeting between Belarusian Energy Minister Viktor Karankevich and First Vice Governor of Sverdlovsk Oblast of Russia Alexei Shmykov on 28 March, BelTA learned from the press service of the Energy Ministry.

Belarus and Sverdlovsk Oblast have strong trade, economic and cooperation relations, including in the energy sector. Despite the geographical distance, Belarus is expanding the number of joint projects with the region, which is the largest industrial center of Russia and one of the leaders in the country's economic development. “It is necessary to further deepen our cooperation. There are opportunities for this,” the minister said.

Specific areas of bilateral cooperation were discussed at a meeting of the working group of the Belarusian Energy Ministry and the Sverdlovsk Oblast Government. The meeting took place at the Energy Ministry on 28 March. According to Deputy Energy Minister Mikhail Mikhadyuk, Belarus is interested both in further supplies of power equipment from Sverdlovsk Oblast to Belarus and in the implementation of projects for joint production of spare parts and units, including with the participation of the Ural Turbine Works.

“We need to pay special attention to import substitution and solve the issues of gas turbines. We are implementing projects to build and reconstruct substations. We are ready to work more closely with your manufacturers on electrical equipment as well,” the deputy energy minister said.

The Belarusian Energy Ministry is ready to offer the services of specialized organizations in the design, construction, repair and adjustment of energy facilities both in Russia and third countries.

Bilateral cooperation in the gas industry can also be mutually beneficial. A large scale gasification program is implemented in Sverdlovsk Oblast. Belarusian gas supplying organizations have the necessary experience in the construction of gas pipelines and can take part in relevant projects. The peat industry is also seen as a possible area for cooperation. The Energy Ministry of Belarus is also interested in further studying the experience of its Russian colleagues in the area of radioactive waste management.