Selective control over Belarusian nuclear station equipment production in Russia

The Nuclear and Radiation Safety Department of the Belarusian Emergencies Ministry intends to practice selective control over how equipment for the Belarusian nuclear power plant is manufactured in Russia, BelTA learned from Grigory Astashko, Deputy Head of the Nuclear and Radiation Safety Department, on 17 December.

According to the source, the production of equipment for the Belarusian nuclear power plant and various components is overseen by the Federal Environmental, Industrial and Nuclear Supervision Service of Russia (Rostechnadzor) since manufacturers of the equipment are licensed by Rostechnadzor. The Nuclear and Radiation Safety Department of the Belarusian Emergencies Ministry does not practice oversight at Russian factories but has plans to oversee the production of components for the future Belarusian nuclear power plant by Russian enterprises. “Certainly, we are not going to keep an eye on every little detail made in Russia. We intend to resort to selective control,” explained Grigory Astashko.

He also remarked that securing the quality and the compliance of components and equipment of the Belarusian nuclear power plant with the required technical parameters is the primary task for the Nuclear Power Plant Construction Directorate. “In turn, we are supposed to oversee the work of the Directorate,” added the official.

According to the source, the first batch of equipment — a core catcher — is on its way to Belarus. The Nuclear and Radiation Safety Department is supposed to enable proper control over the acceptance of this equipment. The system polished by Russian specialists has to work properly in Belarus, too, said Grigory Astashko.

He also said that the Nuclear and Radiation Safety Department oversees the fulfillment of license requirements and conditions.

At present observing all the quality guidelines at the construction site in Ostrovets is the mandatory license requirement for all the companies involved in the project to build the Belarusian nuclear power plant, stressed the official.