Energy minister: Belarus can export nuclear power plant's electricity if necessary

MINSK, 15 May (BelTA) – The Belarusian nuclear power plant is primarily designed to satisfy the domestic demand for electricity. However, if necessary, Belarus can export the electricity the nuclear power plant generates, BelTA learned from Belarusian Energy Minister Viktor Karankevich on 15 May.

The first unit of the Belarusian nuclear power plant is going through a comprehensive test of the equipment at the nominal level of power of the reactor installation. It is the final stage of the pilot commercial operation of the unit. “We see that electricity is in demand. There are a number of programs and ways to increase electricity consumption. The Belarusian nuclear power plant will make a significant contribution both to satisfying the growing demand of the real sector of the economy and the population and to substituting hydrocarbon fuel,” Viktor Karankevich said.

The official went on saying: “Our power grid is self-sufficient. In other words, domestic sources of energy fully satisfy the demand for electricity but electricity can also be exported. Taking into account the commissioning of the Belarusian nuclear power plant we will have a growing potential, including for the sake of export. We are primarily intent on satisfying the domestic demand but if necessary, we can export electricity to the Baltic states and Ukraine. All the technical capabilities are available for it.”

As much as 38 billion kWh of electricity was consumed in Belarus in 2020. The figure is expected to grow to 44 billion kWh by 2025. The Belarusian nuclear power plant is expected to satisfy about 40% of the country's need for electricity.