As of 2021[update], there is little renewable energy in Belarus.[1] 7% of primary energy in Belarus was from renewables in 2019, mostly biofuels.[1]: 40 As there is a lot of district heating, more renewables could be integrated into the heat distribution system,[1]: 44 but this is hindered by fossil fuel subsidies.[1]: 62
A 2021 study by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) recommended:[1]: 11–14
About half of the energy is produced by independent power producers.[1]: 34
In 2019, energy imports cost 5.5% of the national GDP, which could be reduced by increasing renewable energy production. According to IRENA, increasing renewable energy production would also create jobs and increase energy security.[1]
There is large potential from wood waste, crop residue, and biogas from manure;[1]: 40–41 About 10% of district heating is biomass.[1]: 29
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Although the crust below Belarus is not hot enough for electricity generation it may be possible to integrate geothermal energy into district heating.[1]: 44
Although small hydroelectric power plants were common before the national grid, there is now less than 100MW produced, since Belarus is mostly flat.[1]: 30