A group of experts of the World Bank will visit Belarus July 22-25 to discuss the project “Increasing the energy efficiency in the Republic of Belarus”, BelTA was told in the Belinvsetenergosberezhenie company.

The World Bank is planning to issue a $150mn loan to finance the new project in Belarus. The loan will be used to finance the reconstruction of Belenergo’s large boiler houses to convert them into CHP plants (the approximate financing is $120 million) and modernisation of boiler houses of the Housing and Utilities Ministry ($30-40 million).

During the visit the WB experts will have meetings in the Energy Ministry, Belenergo company, Energy Efficiency Department of the Sate Standard Service, Belinvsetenergosberezhenie, in the Ministries of Economy and Finance.

The sides are going to discuss the preparation of the new loan agreement. Certain facilities which might be included in the project will be considered too.

The Energy Efficiency Department of the Sate Standard Service has prepared the feasibility reports for the first five facilities of the Housing and Utilities Ministry. Belenergo experts have also made their choice as to what facilities of the energy system will be included into the project. The WB experts are expected to state their opinion on these proposals.

The World Bank has provided Belarus a total of six loans to the tune of $258 million (the loans are issued for 17 years with a five-year deferment plan) and also 30 grants to the amount of $18 million. The World Bank also provides analytical and consulting services in economy, health, nature management and other areas.