The Role of Nuclear Energy in Enhancing Energy Security of the Republic of Belarus

Abstract

The paper highlights and examines the issues related to the limited natural reserves of fossil fuels in the Republic of Belarus. Almost 80 percent of the demand for energy in the economy and social sector of the country is met through the import of energy resources. In this context, one of the priority objectives for the energy development in Belarus is the gradual replacement of imported oil and natural gas with local fuel and energy resources, including nuclear energy. The world’s experience in the development of this area is shown. Analysis is made of the measures to achieve the necessary indicators of energy supply to the national economy and the development of the energy sector, in the structure of which the nuclear power plant is beginning to play a significant role. The activities on strengthening the national energy system in Belarus began in June 2021, when the first unit of the Belarusian nuclear power plant was put into commercial operation. The findings show that since then there has been a gradual decline in the shortage of necessary energy resources, reduction in reliance on imported hydrocarbons, and elimination of other threats and uncertainties for sustainable, reliable, and efficient advancement of the energy sector aiming to achieve carbon neutrality of the economy of the Republic of Belarus in the near future.