Expert: IAEA monitors installation of safety systems at BelNPP

Experts of the International Atomic Energy Agency are closely monitoring the installation of the safety systems stipulated by the project to construct the Belarusian nuclear power plant, Chairman of the Environmental Initiative association Yuri Solovyov said during an online briefing on the website of the BelTA News Agency on 20 December.

“Every nuclear energy project that claims to comply with international standards and rules established by the IAEA is monitored by the International Atomic Energy Agency. The Belarusian nuclear power plant is no exception. Analyzing media reports and the frequency of visits of the IAEA experts to Belarus, I can assume that everything is going on in line with the rules of this reputable organization. More than that, the IAEA representatives praised the course of the project implementation several times. As I represent the Belarusian civil society, it is important for me that the IAEA experts closely monitor the installation of all the safety systems stipulated by the construction project and praise the way the project is implemented,” the expert said.

Yuri Solovyov noted that delegations from countries seeking to promote their nuclear energy visit the Belarusian NPP construction site to learn more about the project and to study Belarus’ expertise and knowledge. “I believe it speaks volumes about the project,” the environmentalist said.

In November 2013 the Ostrovets site saw the launch of concrete pouring operations to build the first power-generating unit of the Belarusian nuclear power plant. The Belarusian nuclear power plant will have two power-generating units with the total capacity of up to 2,400MW (1,200MW each). The Russian design AES-2006 was chosen to build the power plant. The design is fully compliant with international standards and IAEA recommendations. The Russian public joint-stock company OAO NIAEP – ZAO Atomstroyexport is the general designer and the general contractor for building the power plant. The timeline for implementing the project is stipulated by the general contract. The first power-engineering unit of the nuclear power plant is scheduled for launch in November 2018.

Belarus and Russia signed the general contract to build the Belarusian nuclear power plant in July 2012. The cost of building the installation is primarily covered by a state export loan granted by Russia. In line with the relevant intergovernmental agreement the loan can provide up to $10 billion for 25 years to cover 90% of the cost of every contract between the Russian company ZAO Atomstroyexport and the Belarusian state institution Directorate for Nuclear Power Plant Construction.