BelNPP second unit to be commissioned in 2022

MINSK, 12 October (BelTA) – Belarus plans to commission the second unit of its nuclear power plant BelNPP in 2022, Belarus' Energy Minister Viktor Karankevich told the media after the opening of the 25th Belarusian energy and ecology forum Energy Expo 2021 on 12 October, BelTA has learned.

Last week, a hot functional test was completed at the second unit. The main equipment and process systems of the reactor unit were checked for operating capacity. “Plans are in place to load fresh nuclear fuel into the reactor core of the BelNPP second unit before the end of the year. The fuel was delivered in April and passed the incoming inspection. The power unit is planned to be commissioned in 2022,” Viktor Karankevich said.

The first power unit was connected to the power grid on 4 October. “At present it is running at its nominal capacity of 1,170 MW. Electricity is supplied to all regions of the country,” the minister said.

The first unit of the Belarusian nuclear power plant has so far generated almost 4 billion kWh of electricity.