Lukashenko: decision on second nuclear power plant construction not yet been made, calculations are needed
The decision on the construction of the second nuclear power plant has not yet been made, and it is only possible after a careful analysis and mandatory consultation with people – as stated by the President of Belarus, Aleksandr Lukashenko, in his talk with workers and builders of the Belarusian NPP, representatives of labour collectives and residents of Ostrovets
The Head of State noted that the construction site will also be chosen with view on the economic feasibility, while the funds of the Russian loan saved during the construction of the first Belarusian nuclear power plant could become the source of financing. When asked if there will be a second station, and where it will be located, Aleksandr Lukashenko replied, “Firstly, I do not know where the second station will be located. Secondly, what does the second station mean? If the second one will be like this one, then this will mean doubling the power. We have already two blocks, we need two more of these, modern ones. Maybe we will come up with something new by then with Russians. I am just promoting this thesis into society at the level of discussion.”
The President also touched upon the issue of financing such a project. He recalled that Russians had not only built the Belarusian NPP, but also allocated credit resources for that work on very favourable terms. Belarus managed to significantly save the money.
The Head of State spoke about a conversation he had with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, some time ago, “I said: listen, if we save something at this station, will you give this – saved – money to us? He laughed and looked at me then, he did not believe. He said: let’s complete the work on the station, and – if we save something – we will then gather and discuss the matter. We talked the day before. We used only $6bn out of the allocated $10.5bn. So, we can actually build almost two blocks using this money. Therefore, we can ask Russians to leave this money, which we did not use, in the country. Moreover, the loan is very profitable. Well, we know they have enough [issues to solve] right now. They already help us – with gas, oil, and I do not want to enumerate everything. They always help us with any problem. Of course, we give back as good as we get. We help in everything we can… We are in great demand in Russia right now. Therefore, the source of financing may be this one: the money saved.”
As for the question of where to build [the station], the President noted, “It should be evaluated…”
According to the Head of State, the Government and the National Academy of Sciences propose to make appropriate calculations and prepare variants for consideration. Aleksandr Lukashenko added that it is quite possible that the building of two additional power units at the existing site near Ostrovets may be more profitable. After all, apart from the station itself, there are already production facilities to ensure construction here. This is not the main cost. Such objects can also be built on a new site, but it will still be cheaper to do this on the developed area.
The President welcomes the fact that people have already figured everything out and support such plans. He emphasised, “Do not be afraid of Chernobyl, Fukushima. Experts already explain why there were explosions there. This happened because the specialists – engaged into the maintenance – made a mistake. It's not about the equipment, even that equipment. Actually, this station has been built in a safer mode. Therefore, nothing ventured – nothing gained.”
Aleksandr Lukashenko summed up, “Therefore, we do it so that it is safe. Where will we build? If we build, I will report to you and consult with you before making such a decision. I promise you that. We will do nothing without people.”
At the same time, the Head of State stressed that today's existing supply of electricity will be enough for several generations, but it is necessary to think of the future. “Who knows how the world will develop. It will be good to have this second station. I am a supporter of this,” he said.
