Belarus may build second NPP in future

Belarus may build a second nuclear power plant in the future, Director of the Nuclear Energy Department of the Energy Ministry of Belarus Nikolai Grusha told an online conference hosted by BelTA on 22 March.

“The state vigorously supports the construction of the first nuclear power plant. There are talks on the possible construction of another one. Speaking as a specialist, I agree with the idea,” Nikolai Grusha noted.

In his words, consideration of an opportunity to construct the second nuclear power plant looks reasonable. The country, however, should adjust its plans to a long-term forecast of its social, economic and industrial development. “It is important calculating how much electricity we will need, what facilities are to be taken out. If the need for the construction of the second nuclear power plant is confirmed, why not building it. The Ostrovets site alone has room for the construction of at least two more reactors,” he added.

Advisor to the Executive Vice-President of Rusatom Overseas (Rosatom subsidiary) Sergei Boyarkin noted that their counterparts from the Czech Republic and Slovakia took the decision at the state level to increase the share of nuclear energy in the energy balance of the countries. “The Czech Republic aims to generate up to 60% of electricity at nuclear power plants in 2030. Slovakia announced its intention to reach 80%. These countries are the same as Belarus in size,” he said.