Upcoming evaluation of BelNPP's second unit's readiness for physical launch discussed

MINSK, 3 November (BelTA) – The Nuclear and Radiation Safety Department of the Belarusian Emergencies Ministry (Gosatomnadzor) has arranged a meeting with representatives of the management of the state enterprise Belarusian Nuclear Power Plant, the national energy company Belenergo, and the general contractor in charge of building the nuclear power plant. The meeting was prompted by the upcoming evaluation of the nuclear power plant operating company's readiness for the physical launch of the second unit, Gosatomnadzor representatives told BelTA.

Matters of fundamental importance for passing the evaluation were discussed during the meeting. Gosatomnadzor stressed that the agency practices a thorough approach to evaluating the observance of the established requirements at the Belarusian nuclear power plant construction site.

Participants of the meeting visited the construction site of the second unit of the Belarusian nuclear power plant. The organization of work with safety-related equipment in the machine hall and the reactor building during stage A4 “Revision of the main equipment of the reactor unit” of the unit's commissioning process was evaluated.

The loading of nuclear fuel will begin the physical launch of the second unit of the Belarusian nuclear power plant. The relevant license has to be granted for this operation. In turn, before granting the license Gosatomnadzor has to evaluate the readiness of the state enterprise Belarusian Nuclear Power Plant for safely carrying out the declared actions.

Gosatomnadzor has previously arranged a random inspection visit to check the handling of safety-related equipment of the second unit of the nuclear power plant. Matters concerning the organization of safety evaluation as part of the second unit's licensing process were discussed. Proposals for the management of the state enterprise Belarusian Nuclear Power Plant were formulated as a result.