Expert: Belarus’ nuclear energy students should receive practical training abroad

Belarusian universities that train specialists for the Belarusian nuclear power plant should make sure that students majoring in nuclear energy will receive practical training abroad, Deputy State Secretary-member of the Union State Permanent Committee Alexei Kubrin said at the conference “Nuclear energy development prospects in Belarus” on 2 April, BelTA has learnt.

“A nuclear power plant is a facility where experienced professionals should work. Belarus is training specialists for the nuclear energy sector, however no Belarusian graduates majoring in nuclear energy have had practical training at nuclear facilities abroad,” the expert said. He noted that the matter should be seriously discussed. According to Alexei Kubrin, there are several universities in Belarus and Russia that train specialists who will operate nuclear power plants.

Deputy Energy Minister of Belarus Mikhail Mikhadyuk informed that there are plans to hold a session in April to discuss personnel training for the Belarusian nuclear power plant.

Alexei Kubrin spoke about other topical issues that should be addressed before the Belarusian nuclear power plant becomes operational. He noted that a bigger focus should be made on educating people about nuclear energy. “Unfortunately, the NPP project is being implemented in a rather nervous environment,” the specialist noted. He said that it is not right. The expert believes that there is no alternative to nuclear energy.

Alexei Kubrin drew attention to the fact that after the Chernobyl disaster happened, the Nuclear Safety Institute was established at the Russian Academy of Sciences. According to the institute, over 17,000 people have died at thermal power stations and similar facilities (including coal mining facilities) over 25 years. At the same time, about 700 people have died since the first nuclear power plant was built. According to him, at present about 440 nuclear power plants are operated worldwide. By 2030, their number will increase up to 500, including decommissioned nuclear power stations.

The 6th international expo AtomExpo Belarus 2014 opened in Minsk on 1 April. The conference “Nuclear energy development prospects in Belarus” is held on the sidelines of the expo.