ON THE ISSUE OF BELARUS' FULL MEMBERSHIP IN THE SCO: WHAT WILL CHANGE IN THE FIELD OF ALTERNATIVE ENERGY?

Abstract

Aim. To study the prospects for the development of alternative and low-carbon energy in the Republic of Belarus in the context of joining the Shanghai Cooperation Organization as a full member.Methodology. The key research methods were historical and logical analysis, comparative and typological analysis. The focus is on the study of international treaties and agreements essence, various normative legal acts, resolutions, strategies and plans for the development of cooperation, as well as statements and speeches of officials. The work also applied the scenario forecasting method to identify the promising areas for the development of “green” energy in Belarus.Results. It is stated that with the accession of the Republic of Belarus to the SCO as a full member, a potential opportunity appeares for increasing foreign investment in projects for the development of alternative and low-carbon energy; it is expected to strengthen the energy dialogue with Russia, including the field of “green” energy; the strengthening of the position of the Republic of Belarus on the world stage is stated in connection with joining a large organization and the creation of economic and logistics joint projects.Research implications. The study results can be relevant for studying the transformation of the energy markets of the SCO member states in the context of the global energy transition.