No complaints from IAEA about technical parameters of Belarusian NPP

MINSK, 4 March (BelTA) – The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has no complaints about technical parameters of the Belarusian nuclear power plant (NPP), Deputy Director General, Head of the IAEA Nuclear Energy Department Mikhail Chudakov told journalists on 4 March, BelTA has learned.

“As far as Vilnius' complaints are concerned, I cannot comment on them as this is out of my competence. The two countries should discuss these matters with each other. They both should engage in a dialogue on this topic,” Mikhail Chudakov said. “As for some complaints about technical parameters of the NPP, the IAEA has none,” he added.

“Belarus satisfies all IAEA requirements and invites all the inspections, it is an exemplary country. Not all countries invite all the IAEA inspections,” he noted.

According to Mikhail Chudakov, reactors of the 3+ generation that will operate at the Belarusian NPP, are safe. “At present, when reactors of the 3+ generation are used in view of all post-Fukusima activities, not a single vendor or supplier builds an unsafe plant. It is true not only about Russia, but also Westinghouse and others. Reactors of the 3+ generation are safe, but, of course, they require infrastructure and good safety measures,” Mikhail Chudakov believes.

The Belarusian nuclear power plant is being built near Ostrovets, Grodno Oblast using a Russian design featuring two VVER-1200 reactors with the total output capacity of 2,400MW. Rosatom's engineering division – ASE Company – is the general contractor. The first unit is supposed to go online in 2020, with the second one scheduled for launch in 2021.