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The First Biomass Energy Project Launched in Belarus The initial workshop within the framework of the UNDP/GEF Biomass Energy Project was held on 2 December 2003 in the National Cultural and Educational Center.  The main task of the workshop was to brief the key organizations and specialists dealing with efficient use of energy and waste wood about the project, its objectives and key areas. Another important task was to present information about the project to the general public through the media. This project is the first large-scale project of this kind funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF). GEF is expected to invest more than 3 million USD. The project will be implemented during 4 years and will involve 6 demonstration projects. Five projects will focus on waste wood biomass conversion at boiler houses of different capacity which currently use fossil fuels. Another demonstration project is the enterprise for collection, processing and delivery of waste wood for burning at a boiler house.  In addition, the project will involve a number of organizational and technical activities aimed at removing existing barriers hampering a wide use of fire-wood for central heating. The project is expected to provide training to specialists in modern methods and technologies for using bio-fuel. The project is particularly important for Belarus which does not have sufficient natural fossil fuels. Therefore, Belarus should find the most efficient ways for using available timber resources, mainly waste wood. The intended project is also aimed at reducing emissions of greenhouse gases through replacement of fossil fuels for renewable fuels including fire-wood. The findings of the survey of the market and resources suggest that about 2000 boiler houses with the capacity from 0.5 to 10 mWt using fossil fuels can be converted to the use of fire-wood. Up to 5-6 million Ì3 of waste wood which is currently not disposed can be used as fuel. It should be noted that the Biomass Energy Project will never use any waste wood from the regions contaminated with radionuclides as a result of the Chernobyl accident. All demonstration facilities are located in the "clean" regions of the country. The project was developed with the active involvement of the Energy Efficiency Committee of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Belarus, the United Nations Development Program and the UN European Economic Commission which has initiated the project, has provided and continues to provide organizational and financial support for its implementation. The project counterpart agency in Belarus is the Energy Efficiency Committee of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Belarus which provides economic, financial, information and legal support and is responsible for control of activities implemented within the project framework.
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