Issue of whether Belarus needs new power unit or second nuclear power plant discussed at meeting with Lukashenko’s participation

Today’s meeting with Aleksandr Lukashenko’s participation focused on the discussion of the further development of nuclear energy in Belarus, the results of the work of the Belarusian NPP, the increase in energy consumption in the republic and proposals for the construction of a second nuclear power plant (third power unit)

Aleksandr Lukashenko noted that the Government had been instructed to elaborate the issue of building a second nuclear power plant or an additional third power unit at the existing station. In this regard, he suggested discussing the major points, advantages and disadvantages of these options.

The first option envisages the construction of a new power unit at the Ostrovets plant as the second stage of the Belarusian NPP. There are all conditions and specialists there, including a site for location, production, technological and social infrastructure, which means it is possible to spend less funds on the construction process. “Moreover, the soil has been fully explored there, and no additional studies are needed,” the President said.

The second option is to build a new station in the east of the country. “That's where we can build it, because our soils are suitable there," Aleksandr Lukashenko noted. This option will obviously require more financial investments and organisational decisions, but it will give a powerful impetus to the development of the eastern region. “We will turn the eastern region from a bearish corner into a highly developed territory of Belarus – creating new jobs, attracting investments, implementing innovative projects and introducing new technologies," the President explained.

Aleksandr Lukashenko noted that he had discussed co-operation in the nuclear energy sector with Russian President Vladimir Putin during a meeting at the World Atomic Week in late September this year. “There is understanding and support from the Russian side, and now we have to do our part. First of all, we must decide whether we will or not [build]. If we do, then [it is necessary to decide] when and where," the Head of State stressed, adding that nuclear energy is a miracle for Belarus.