Eight solar-powered petrol stations in Belarus by end-2014

The country’s biggest oil product retailer Belorusneft plans to double the number of filling stations running on solar power this year, BelTA learnt from the company’s press service.

Thus, the Belorusneft chain will comprise eight solar-powered forecourts with one in each oblast of the country.

In late March Belorusneft introduced its new solar-powered facility in Lepel. Energy at the filling station is generated by a 10kW photovoltaic power plant (40 solar panels on the roof). Energy is produced even in cloudy weather conditions, although in a smaller amount.

Belorusneft plans to upgrade 15 forecourts in 2014. Last year the company modernized six facilities of the kind. There are also plans to build 18 more filling stations.

Solar-powered forecourts are one of energy saving efforts in the Belarusian oil industry.

The industrial group Belorusneft was founded in 1966. The company specializes in the surveying, prospecting and development of oil fields, well drilling, oil and associated petroleum gas extraction in Belarus and other countries, including Russia, Ukraine, Venezuela.