Progress of Belarusian nuclear power plant's second unit's construction reviewed

SOCHI, 21 November (BelTA) – Belarusian Energy Minister Viktor Karankevich talked about the construction of the second unit of the Belarusian nuclear power plant on the sidelines of the international forum Atomexpo in Sochi, BelTA has learned.

Viktor Karankevich said: “The first unit of the Belarusian nuclear power plant has been commissioned, the second one will be commissioned. Startup and commissioning work is in progress. The construction and installation readiness rate is over 96%. Work proceeds in strict compliance with adopted programs and identified tasks.” No clear date when the second unit will be commissioned was mentioned.

Viktor Karankevich stressed that ensuring the effective operation of the units is the key task. “We already feel the effect of the work of the first unit. Over 9.6 billion kWh of electricity has been generated since the first unit was connected to the power grid. It allowed substituting over 2.5 billion m3 of natural gas. It produces a significant effect for the environment, too. Once the two units of the nuclear power plant are commissioned, natural gas substitution will be close to 4.5 billion m3 and carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere will be reduced by over 7 million tonnes,” the official pointed out.