Second power unit of Belarusian NPP under construction
Belarus is interested in putting the second power unit of its nuclear power station into operation in time – as stated by Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko during his meeting with Alexey Likhachev, the Director General of ROSATOM State Atomic Energy Corporation
“On June 10th, the first power unit of the Belarusian NPP was put into commercial operation and work is underway on the construction of the second unit. We are extremely interested in putting it into service within the terms stipulated by the contract,” the PM said, adding that, following the Head of State’s instruction, Belarusian specialists joined their Russian colleagues to develop a list of promising areas of co-operation in the field of nuclear energy. These involve establishment of a joint centre for nuclear and scientific research on the basis of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, joint laboratories in the field of nuclear medicine, as well as digitalisation of nuclear energy facilities and electric grid infrastructure.
“I believe this is not the final list of topics. To ensure co-operation of our countries in the field of nuclear energy, a Union State programme on nuclear energy development has been signed. Our side will pay special attention to interaction in operating nuclear power facilities, ensuring nuclear and radiation safety, emergency preparedness, as well as management of radioactive waste and specific fuel. This programme envisages conclusion of an intergovernmental agreement on co-operation in the field of transportation of nuclear materials and on the management of specific fuel in the future,” Mr. Golovchenko noted, adding that Belarus works over the creation of a unified state system for nuclear waste management and will be grateful to the Rosatom State Corporation for consulting assistance.
In turn, Mr. Likhachev stressed that Rosatom will do everything possible to ensure long-term co-operation with Belarus, “Upon commissioning of the first power unit, Belarus has become a member of the world's large nuclear energy family. We estimate the readiness of the second power unit at 87 percent and we are interested in putting it into commercial operation in time. New areas of co-operation related to both energy and nuclear technologies, as well as energy applications, have been identified. We are ready to actively engage in projects related to smart energy, digital solutions and scientific research.”
