Double shell to protect Belarusian nuclear power plant against any cataclysms

The double shell of the reactor building can protect the Belarusian nuclear power plant against any external shocks, BelTA learned from Anatoly Bondar, Chief Engineer of the state enterprise Belarusian Nuclear Power Plant, on 17 February.

“The double protective shell offers an enhanced level of safety. As the chief engineer and the man responsible for the nuclear safety of the Belarusian nuclear power plant I am confident in the protection and durability of the double hermetic shell,” noted Anatoly Bondar. The shell offers protection against natural and man-caused external shocks, including earthquakes, hurricanes, and falling aircraft.

“In comparison with other power plants the protection of the Belarusian nuclear power plant is an order of magnitude more reliable. The double shell and the core catcher for the active zone make up a most powerful, well-designed passive safety system that does not require human interference,” said Anatoly Bondar.

The Belarusian nuclear power plant is a project to build an AES-2006 type nuclear power plant 18km away from Ostrovets, Grodno Oblast. The BelNPP will have two power-generating units with the total output capacity of up to 2,400MW (2x1,200MW). In line with the general contract for building the nuclear power plant the first power-generating unit is scheduled for commissioning in 2018, with the second one to go online in 2020.