Energy Ministry, European MPs exchange views on Belarusian nuclear power plant construction

MINSK, 26 February (BelTA) – Matters of cooperation in the sphere of energy, including those relating to the construction of the Belarusian nuclear power plant, were discussed as representatives of the Belarusian Energy Ministry met with members of the European Parliament on 25 February, BelTA has learned.

Director of the Nuclear Energy Department of the Energy Ministry Vasily Polyukhovich informed those present about progress in building the Belarusian nuclear power plant. He argued in favor of having a nuclear-powered source of energy taking into account the diversification of energy resources. He also talked about energy security and environmental advantages (lower greenhouse gas emissions) the launch of the nuclear power plant will produce.

Safety during the construction and operation of the Belarusian nuclear power plant is the utmost priority. Belarus tightly cooperates with the IAEA on technical cooperation programs. The IAEA's Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review (INIR) mission is in Belarus now to assess the development of nuclear energy infrastructure in the third phase.

The sides exchanged views on the matters that had been raised during the meeting. The Belarusian side handed over a report on results of environmental monitoring in the observation zone of the Belarusian nuclear power plant to representatives of the European Parliament.

The Belarusian nuclear power plant with two VVER-1200 reactors with the total output capacity of 2,400MW is being built near Ostrovets, Grodno Oblast. The first unit is supposed to go online in 2020, with the second one scheduled for launch in 2021.