Belarus to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in transport sector

The statistics show that mobile sources are responsible for 60% of total pollutants emissions into the atmosphere, with road transport being the main contributor. At present, Belarus implements a strategy to reduce the harmful environmental impact of transport in Belarus through 2020. “Our plan to implement the Paris Agreement provides for drawing up a national strategy of Belarus' long-term development with low greenhouse gas emissions through 2050. The strategy will be developed by the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Ministry together with stakeholders in 2021-2022. The document will outline activities to reduce pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions in the country's transport sector,” Boleslav Pirshtuk noted.

Belarus has committed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 28% by 2030 as against 1990. The Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Ministry intends to do even better and reduce emissions by 33%. “The development of electric transport will also help Belarus fulfil its commitments under the Paris Agreement,” the first deputy minister said. Apart from reducing emissions into the atmosphere, electric cars help bring down noise levels and improve urban environment.

The electric mobility promotion forum E-Mobility 2020 was held in Minsk on 16 October. Taking part in the forum were representatives of the Energy Ministry, the Belarusian industrial group Belorusneft, the Industry Ministry, the Transport and Communications Ministry, the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Ministry, the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, representatives of enterprises and companies which business is related to electric transport. The forum participants discussed the effectiveness of the stimulating measures implemented in Belarus in order to encourage the use of electric transport and develop the vehicle charging infrastructure as well as issues, which resolution may help bolster the potential of this segment.

Discussions were centered around several areas of interest: a forecast of the development of the electric transport market and the charging infrastructure in Belarus taking into account the forthcoming launch of the Belarusian nuclear power plant, the industrial potential for manufacturing Belarusian electric vehicles, R&D products in the area of electric transport, electric vehicles and a healthier urban environment.

The forum was organized by the Energy Ministry and Belorusneft.