Belarus' Energy Imports: Where, Why, And How Much?

Belarus is a net energy importer, with energy imports vastly exceeding energy production. In 2018, only 15% of the country's energy demand was met by domestic production, making Belarus one of the least energy self-sufficient countries in the world. The country relies heavily on imports, particularly from Russia, to meet its energy needs. Belarus is also a major player in Russia's gas transit corridor to Western Europe. In terms of specific numbers, Belarus imported 17 Mtoe (20 billion cubic metres) of natural gas in 2018, solidifying its position as one of the world's largest importers of natural gas.

Belarus's energy import sources

Belarus is a net energy importer, with its energy imports vastly exceeding its energy production. The country is one of the world's least energy-sufficient countries, relying heavily on Russia to meet its energy needs.

In 2018, only 15% of Belarus's energy demand was met by domestic production, with the country importing large quantities of natural gas, oil, and coal. Belarus is one of the world's largest importers of natural gas, with an estimated import of 20 billion cubic meters in 2018, making it the leading importer among the EU4Energy countries. The country also imported similar quantities of crude oil, with Russia being the main supplier.

The energy sector in Belarus is dominated by state-owned companies, with the government believing that having control over the energy sector guarantees a secure and stable energy supply. The country's energy strategy aims to reduce import dependency, particularly on natural gas from a single supplier, by developing local energy sources, introducing nuclear power, decreasing overall consumption, and reducing the amount of natural gas in the energy mix.

Belarus has identified oil, natural gas, and coal reserves, with oil accounting for at least 80% of annual energy production in 2020, according to the state programme on environmental protection and sustainable use of natural resources. The country also has explored reserves of peat, with production in 2018 reaching 0.551 Mtoe, and identified brown coal reserves, with further exploration potential. Shale oil is also a significant but undeveloped energy resource in Belarus, concentrated within the Pripyat Shale Basin.

The country's energy policy priorities include providing reliable and sustainable energy, reducing energy import dependence, and improving the sector's financial stability. Belarus is also an important part of Russia's gas transit corridor to Western Europe, with matters related to natural gas transit established in a bilateral agreement with Russia's Gazprom.

Energy independence goals

Belarus is a net energy importer and one of the world's least energy-sufficient countries. In 2018, only 15% of the country's energy demand was met by domestic production. The country is highly dependent on Russia for its energy needs, with Russian supplies making up 90% of total energy imports. Belarus is also the world's third-largest producer of peat and has small amounts of crude oil and natural gas production. However, it still relies heavily on imports, particularly from Russia, to meet its energy demands.

Recognizing its high dependence on foreign energy sources, Belarus has set strategic goals to achieve greater energy independence and supply diversification by 2035. The country aims to reduce its reliance on Russian energy supplies from 90% to 70% and cut the share of gas in electricity and heat energy production by half, from 90% to 50%. To accomplish these goals, Belarus is focusing on several key strategies:

• Developing local energy sources: Belarus intends to reduce its import dependency by increasing domestic energy production. This includes utilizing its crude oil reserves, natural gas reserves, and explored reserves of peat.
• Introducing nuclear power: The country is constructing the Astravets Nuclear Power Plant, with the first unit expected to come online soon. This will significantly contribute to reducing the country's reliance on natural gas.
• Decreasing overall consumption: By improving energy efficiency and reducing energy intensity, Belarus aims to lower its overall energy consumption. This includes phasing out subsidies for electricity, heat, and gas, making the energy sector more market-focused, and attracting private investment.
• Diversifying import suppliers: While reducing overall imports, Belarus also aims to diversify its energy sources by increasing energy transit and importing from multiple suppliers.
• Reducing natural gas in the energy mix: Belarus plans to decrease the share of natural gas in its energy mix from 90% to 60% by 2025. This will be achieved by introducing nuclear power, developing local energy sources, and increasing the use of coal and renewable energy sources.
• Expanding underground gas storage: To improve energy security and manage seasonal fluctuations, Belarus aims to expand its underground gas storage capacity.

By implementing these strategies, Belarus is working towards reducing its energy import dependence, improving energy security, and achieving greater energy independence by 2035.

Energy import vulnerability

Belarus is highly vulnerable to energy import disruption due to its heavy reliance on energy imports, particularly from Russia. In 2018, only 15% of the country's energy demand was met by domestic production, making Belarus one of the least energy self-sufficient countries globally. This vulnerability is further exacerbated by its dependence on a single supplier, with plans to reduce Russian supplies from 90% to 70% of total energy imports by 2035.

The country's energy sector is dominated by state-owned companies, with the government believing that maintaining control over the sector guarantees a secure and stable energy supply. However, this has resulted in limited foreign investment and a lack of privatisation of state enterprises. Belarus's energy strategy aims to reduce import dependency by developing local energy sources, introducing nuclear power, decreasing overall consumption, and reducing the amount of natural gas in the energy mix.

The country's energy consumption primarily comprises fossil fuels, with natural gas and oil being the most imported energy sources. Belarus is one of the world's largest importers of natural gas, with an estimated import of 20 billion cubic meters in 2018, and similar quantities of crude oil. The transport sector has seen the largest increase in energy demand since 2000, and it is the largest consumer of oil products in the country.

To improve energy security, Belarus is focusing on developing renewable energy sources and improving energy efficiency. However, renewables only accounted for 6% of the country's energy mix in 2018, with biofuels and waste being the primary sources. The government has introduced a green feed-in tariff to attract more investment in renewables and is also working towards reducing subsidies for electricity, heat, and gas to make the energy sector more market-focused and attractive to private investors.

Energy imports and exports

Belarus is a net energy importer, with energy imports vastly exceeding energy production. In 2018, the country consumed 27.0 Mtoe of energy, yet only 15% of this demand was met by domestic production, making Belarus one of the least energy self-sufficient countries globally. The country's energy sector is dominated by state-owned companies, with the government believing that maintaining control over the sector will guarantee a secure and stable energy supply.

Belarus relies heavily on imports from neighbouring Russia to meet most of its energy needs. In 2018, the country imported 17 Mtoe (20 billion cubic metres) of natural gas, making it the leading importer among the EU4Energy countries. The same year, Belarus imported 17 Mtoe of crude oil, although most of this was re-exported as oil products. Russia is the primary source of crude oil refined in Belarus, and Belarus is Ukraine's main supplier of oil products.

The country's energy strategy aims to reduce import dependency, particularly on natural gas from a single supplier, by developing local energy sources, introducing nuclear power, decreasing overall consumption, and reducing the amount of natural gas in the energy mix. By 2035, Belarus plans to reduce Russian supplies from 90% to 70% of total energy imports and cut the share of gas in electricity and heat energy production from 90% to 50%.

To achieve energy independence and import supply diversification, Belarus is focusing on developing its local energy sources. The country has identified oil, natural gas, and coal reserves, with oil accounting for at least 80% of annual energy production in 2020. Additionally, Belarus has the world's third-largest production of peat and is exploring the potential of shale oil as a significant energy resource.

The development of renewable energy sources is also a priority for Belarus, with the government introducing a green feed-in tariff to attract investment in this sector. Renewable energy sources, such as biofuels and waste, accounted for 6% of the country's energy mix in 2018, increasing to 8% in 2020.

Energy import reduction strategies

Belarus is highly dependent on energy imports, particularly from Russia, to meet its energy needs. As one of the world's least energy-sufficient countries, Belarus should implement strategies to reduce its reliance on energy imports. Here are some key approaches:

Diversify Energy Sources:

• Nuclear Power: Belarus has been working on introducing nuclear power to its energy mix. The commissioning of two nuclear generators, each with a capacity of 1200 megawatts, is expected to reduce the country's dependence on natural gas.
• Renewable Energy: Belarus should prioritize the development of renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and hydropower. The government has already made renewables a sector priority, recognizing their potential to enhance energy security and reduce imports.
• Domestic Energy Sources: Focus on exploring and developing local energy sources, such as oil and gas fields, as well as the significant shale oil resources in the Pripyat Shale Basin.

Reduce Natural Gas Consumption:

• Lower Gas in Energy Mix: Belarus aims to reduce the share of natural gas in electricity and heat energy production from 90% to 50%. This can be achieved by increasing the use of nuclear power, renewables, and other alternative energy sources.
• Improve Energy Efficiency: By enhancing energy efficiency in electricity and heat production, Belarus can reduce overall energy consumption, including natural gas demand.
• Expand Underground Gas Storage: Increasing underground gas storage capacity will help accommodate seasonal fluctuations and improve energy security.

Diversify Import Suppliers:

• Reduce Reliance on Russia: Belarus plans to reduce Russian supplies from 90% to 70% of total energy imports. This strategy not only reduces the risk of supply disruptions but also gives Belarus more negotiating power and flexibility in the energy market.
• Explore Alternative Suppliers: Diversifying import sources can help Belarus secure more favorable terms and reduce the potential impact of geopolitical events on its energy supply.

Enhance Energy Sector Management:

• Market-Focused Reforms: Phase out subsidies for electricity, heat, and gas to make the energy sector more market-focused and attractive for private investment.
• Long-Term Planning: Develop comprehensive long-term energy policies and strategies, including scenarios and impact assessments, to provide a clear direction for the energy sector.
• Improve Legislative Framework: Strengthen energy-related legislation and ensure its implementation. This includes finalizing the draft Law on the Electric Power Industry to facilitate participation in the EAEU's common energy market.

By implementing these strategies, Belarus can significantly reduce its reliance on energy imports, enhance its energy security, and move towards a more sustainable and resilient energy future.

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