MP: Full launch of BelNPP will facilitate integration of energy markets of Belarus, Russia

MINSK, 31 October (BelTA) - The full launch of the BelNPP will contribute to the formation of the integrated energy market of the Union State, Deputy Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Ecology, Nature Management and the Chernobyl Disaster of the House of Representatives Zhanna Chernyavskaya told BelTA.

According to her, this model can be successfully used in the Eurasian Economic Union in the future. "The construction of the Belarusian nuclear power plant is the largest Belarusian-Russian investment project. This is a vivid example of partnership between the two countries. In May of this year, we discussed the issues regarding the development of the unified electricity market. It is expected that such a structure will start operating from January 2024. From 2025, the single energy market will be synchronized with the EAEU electricity market," she said.

The MP noted that it makes economic sense to have a nuclear power plant. "For us, having our own nuclear plant is economically beneficial. First, the level of energy security will increase. Natural gas has always been dominant in the production of heat and electricity. The consumption of this type of fuel will be reduced by 4.5-5 billion cubic meters per year, and consequently foreign currency expenses on energy resources will decrease by $550 million annually. And, importantly, the commissioning of the BelNPP will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 7 million tonnes per year," Zhanna Chernyavskaya added.

The MP also noted that the choice of the Russian side as a general contractor for the construction of the Belarusian nuclear power plant was not accidental. Russia is the world's leader in nuclear energy and shares with Belarus the world's most advanced technologies in the nuclear industry.

"It is good for Belarus that the project is Russian. Because the Russian nuclear industry is not only energy. It is also medicine, mechanical engineering, and waste management. New opportunities are opening up for us in the field of nuclear and radiation technologies and the introduction of advanced technical solutions in various fields. Thanks to the BelNPP, in particular, we have new opportunities for the development of electric transport," Zhanna Chernyavskaya added.

According to the MP, cooperation between Belarus and Russia in the energy sector stimulates domestic electricity consumption in the manufacturing sector, business and households, which has a positive effect on the economic potential of the two countries, improves the well-being and quality of life of citizens. "The development of nuclear energy makes a significant contribution to the formation of more comfortable living conditions for people," she concluded.