Bright future for Belarus-Russia nuclear energy cooperation

After the commissioning of the Belarusian nuclear power plant, nuclear energy will account for about 40% of energy generated in Belarus. This will allow enhancing the energy security of the country, OAO NIAEP Vice President for Northwestern Russia and the CIS, head of the Belarusian Office of the company Oleg Shperle told reporters, BelTA has learnt.

Oleg Shperle is convinced that Belarus-Russia cooperation, including cooperation in the nuclear energy sector, has a bright future. “We expect a considerable payback from the joint projects in this field. The Belarusian nuclear power plant is the biggest joint project in the history of Belarus-Russia relations,” he underlined.

According to Oleg Shperle, the fact that Belarus and Russia have a common historical, cultural and ethnic background plays an important role in the development of the nuclear energy industry in Belarus. “Standards used in Belarus and Russia are similar; there is no language barrier. This all makes it easier for us to construct the Belarusian NPP, train specialists for Belarus’ nuclear industry, draft the necessary legal framework and produce equipment for the Belarusian nuclear power plant,” he noted.

“As we know, hydrocarbon resources are depleting and some of Europe’s oldest deposits are shutting down. Therefore, nuclear energy comes to play an increasingly big role worldwide. It will help address the issues associated with global warming. Alternative sources of energy, of course, well also be involved, however, all sensible people understand that neither bio-fuel nor wind, nor solar energy on their own will be able to meet the energy needs of the population,” Oleg Shperle noted.

In his words, the major task facing the nuclear energy industry worldwide is to train and select professionals for the nuclear industry and regulating agencies. Majors in nuclear energy have been encouraged and promoted around the world; a number of benefits and bonuses are offered to encourage students to study nuclear energy. Regional information exchange networks are established; interaction between operating organizations is improved. Therefore, forums like AtomExpo Belarus are very important.

The 6th international nuclear industry expo and conference AtomExpo Belarus 2014 is taking place in Minsk on 1-3 April. The forum is organized upon the initiative of the Energy Ministry of Belarus and with the support of the Russian state corporation Rosatom. The forum showcases the latest technologies in engineering, construction, maintenance and security of nuclear power plants.