Opinions & Interviews

BelNPP to generate third of country’s electricity

VIENNA, 16 September (BelTA) – The Belarusian Nuclear Power Plant (BelNPP) will generate one third of the country’s needs in electric power, Belarus’ Deputy Energy Minister Mikhail Mikhadyuk said as he spoke at the plenary session of the 63rd session of the IAEA General Conference on 16 September, BelTA has learned.

“Belarus has already made its choice in favor of the national nuclear power program, the implementation of which will help the country meet one third of its needs in accessible and reliable electric power and reduce considerably greenhouse gas emissions. It has already given a boost to the development of related industries and manufactures, scientific knowledge,” Mikhail Mikhadyuk said.

In his words, prelaunch operations are underway at the first unit of the Belarusian nuclear power plant. The core process equipment is assembled at the second unit of the plant. The deputy minister assured that nuclear safety and transparency are of absolute priority for Belarus in the implementation of the nuclear power program. “This issue is of paramount importance. The best international practices and all available foreign experience are actively used. We are ready to share and are sharing our experience with everyone. The BelNPP site is constantly visited by numerous foreign delegations, specialists and experts, including from the countries that have started or are planning to launch their nuclear power programs, as well as representatives of the mass media and public organizations,” said Mikhail Mikhadyuk.

He emphasized that more and more states consider using nuclear technology to ensure their energy security, achieve sustainable development goals and fulfill ambitious commitments under the Paris Climate Agreement.

“In this regard, we believe that the IAEA’s role and authority should continue to be strengthened in all areas of its activities, while international cooperation should be based on the understanding of common interests in the sustainable, comprehensive and safe development of nuclear technologies. We are convinced that nuclear safety should remain the focus of increased attention. The confidence of the international community in the atom for peace will largely depend on the results of the agency's work in this area,” said Mikhail Mikhadyuk.

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