Preparation for the heating season began in May and is now nearing completion. «We have carried out preventive repairs on over 8,000 heating substations in apartment buildings. All heating systems underwent pressure testing, and in accordance with legislation, 30% of the buildings were subject to hydro-pneumatic flushing. Today, we can confirm that these measures have been 100% completed. Additionally, scheduled maintenance for the housing stock was carried out, including roof replacements, joint repairs, thermal insulation upgrades in basements, and glazing in common areas. In fact, all work is in its final stages, and we plan to complete it in full by October 1,» said Marina Tolstik, General Director of Minsk City Housing Utilities.
Every year, Minsk replaces over 140 km of heating networks. Old steel pipelines, which have been in service for 30 to 40 years, are being replaced with modern pre-insulated pipes. «They are not subject to corrosion. The main advantage is the significant reduction of heat energy loss through the insulation. They are essentially brand new, so reliability is definitely increasing. The core principle of this replacement is to enhance the overall reliability of the heat supply,» noted Dmitry Vasyukevich, Head of the Capital Construction Department at the State Enterprise Minskcommunteploset.
A new-generation, fully automated gas boiler house will provide heat to three microdistricts in Minsk-Mir, covering around 30 residential buildings. Its total capacity is 40 MW. The advantage of gas is its high combustion efficiency and stable heat supply even during severe frosts. The project will not only ensure warmth in homes but, according to preliminary estimates, will also yield significant electricity savings. «Frequency converters have been installed on all pump equipment, which allows us to reduce specific consumption rates and operate more economically. Based on the experience of other boiler houses, this translates to about a 30% saving in electricity,» explained Stanislav Starodubtsev, Deputy Chief Engineer for Operations at Minskcommunteploset.
Across the country, 118 districts are gasified. According to Vitaly Kretsky, Deputy Chairman of the State Committee for Standardization and Director of the Department for Energy Efficiency, 39 of these districts have a 70% share of domestic energy resources. «Another 17 districts have a share between 50% and 70%. About 50 districts have a share below 50%. This means that the chairman of any district executive committee can be confident that, in the event of an emergency, the population will still have heating and hot water. They will be warm and cozy. Given their own energy resources, their boiler houses will continue to operate and supply heat. Our total energy resource consumption is 39 million tons of equivalent fuel. Our fuel consumption volume is growing because the economy is growing,» clarified Vitaly Kretsky.
Heating across the country will be turned on according to a clear, updated regulation this year. Previously, local authorities had to wait for five consecutive days of cold weather; now, they can supply heat after just three days. First, heat will be supplied to social facilities (kindergartens, schools, hospitals, clinics, and sanatoriums) when the average daily outdoor temperature drops to +10°C (50°F) or below. Next, the residential housing stock will be connected when the outdoor temperature reaches +8°C (46°F) or below. Administrative and industrial buildings will be connected only after the residential sector is fully supplied.
