Russian Energy Ministry: Smooth progress in formation of Russia-Belarus electricity market

MINSK, 17 October (BelTA) – All disagreements regarding the formation of the common electricity market between Belarus and Russia have been settled. It is just that some organizational issues remain, Russian Deputy Energy Minister Pavel Snikkars told the media on the sidelines of the Belarusian energy and environmental forum Energy Expo in Minsk on 17 October, BelTA has learned.

When asked about the progress in the formation of the common electricity market between Belarus and Russia, Pavel Snikkars noted that all the disagreements between the parties had been settled. "The issues are mostly of an organizational nature. We have agreed on all the fundamental decisions. We have a very positive interaction, and have recently advanced as far as possible," he stressed.

According to the deputy minister, the Belarusian-Russian cooperation is gaining momentum across the board. "The experience of technical, automated and digital solutions is in greatest demand. We communicate with our Belarusian colleagues and are ready to share our best practices," Pavel Snikkars said. “Trends and solutions that are now available in Belarus are of interest. We are moving in parallel in terms of supporting electric transport."

In terms of the electric power industry, Russia is interested in planning the development of the energy system, Pavel Snikkars added. "Taking into account the installed capacity of the Belarusian energy system, the country has an excess of electricity which can be used for electric transport. Now we are discussing the issues of planning and subsequent management," he said.

The Belarusian energy and environmental forum Energy Expo is one of the largest industry exhibition events. It is organized every year with a view to developing the innovation potential of the fuel and energy complex. The forum brings together industry-specific organizations and leading producers of equipment and technologies for power engineering industry and related trades. This year they traditionally present innovative projects and cutting-edge solutions for electric energy industry, gas industry, energy- and resource-saving technologies, digital development, and ecology.