Clear plans already outlined
By Anna Kotova
“We’ll begin construction of the nuclear power station this year,” explained Belarus’ First Deputy Prime Minister, Vladimir Semashko, at a session of the State Committee for Standardisation’s (Gosstandart) Department for Energy Efficiency. “The preparatory period is almost over and a document has been signed to begin ground-work in late August-early September.” He added that, by 2016, the first block will be ready, with the second block to be finished by 2018.
Mr. Semashko stressed the significance of the hydro-energy sphere in Belarus. By 2020, thirteen hydro-electric stations will have been built on the Zapadnaya Dvina, Nieman and Dnieper rivers. Meanwhile, a special programme has been approved to set up 161 mini-power stations using local fuels.