Plans to start loading fuel into first reactor of Belarusian nuclear power plant in August confirmed

MINSK, 22 July (BelTA) – There are plans to start loading fuel into the first unit of the Belarusian nuclear power plant in August, BelTA learned from Director of the Nuclear Energy Department of the Belarusian Energy Ministry Vasily Polyukhovich during the online conference held on 22 July to discuss benefits and prospects of peaceful uses of nuclear energy in Belarus.

The official said: “We stand on the brink of a historical event for our country: the Republic of Belarus will soon become a member of nuclear energy countries. It will be a quality change of our energy system. An energy source powered by nuclear fuel will be commissioned to supply 40% of the electricity the country needs. In August we intend to begin an important stage – the loading of nuclear fuel into the reactor and transition to the physical launch followed by the power startup later on.”

In his words, 98% of the construction and installation work the first unit of the Belarusian nuclear power plant and common plant systems need has been done. Finishing work and the beautification of the territory are being completed at the first unit now. Nuclear fuel was delivered to the construction site in May 2020. It passed an incoming inspection, was put into storage, and is ready to be placed into the reactor. Progress of construction and installation work at the second unit stands at 72%.

Vasily Polyukhovich pointed out that Belarusian contractors have done 51% of the total volume of work. Belarusian specialists did about 70% of the general construction work and installation work.