The biggest solar power plant in Belarus, built by “Velcom” in the Charnobyl-affected territories, became the winner of the second republican contest “Energy Efficiency Leader 2016” among renewable energy projects.
The Solar Park was the winner in the category “Technology and Projects Based on Renewable Energy Sources”. The best projects are selected by a jury, which included representatives of the State Standard, the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, the United Nations Development Programme and other organizations and academic institutions. In total, 17 projects and technologies were chosen, including energy-efficient homes and gas stations energy-saving system.
The solar power plant was built by ‘Velcom’ near Brahin and covers an area the size of 60 football fields. Its rated power reaches the record 18.48 MW for Belarusian solar installations, it consists of 85K Solar panels. Around 25 mln Euros was invested in the construction of the power plant. The Park helped to reduce energy dependence on hydrocarbon raw materials — every hour of solar power operation would allow to save 7 thousand cubic meters of natural gas.
Solar Park is also to breathe life into the areas affected by the Charnobyl accident and become an example of how contaminated land can be used for commercial activities and benefit the local economy. In particular, operational maintenance of the park actively engages local contractors.
The “Energy Efficiency Leader” competition is held in Belarus under the auspices of the Energy Efficiency Department of the State Committee for Standardization. The objectives of the competition are to search and identify the best energy-efficient products, systems and technologies used in the construction, housing, utilities and energy sector.
