Belarus' second nuclear power plant hinges on long-term electricity consumption trends

MINSK, 20 December (BelTA) – Belarus is considering the possibility of building the second nuclear power plant or the third unit of the existing nuclear power plant but first, it is necessary to evaluate how electricity consumption will change by 2040 and make projections concerning the development of the manufacturing sector. Belarusian Energy Minister Viktor Karankevich made the statement in BelTA's press center.

Viktor Karankevich said: “The energy system makes sure that all the power generation facilities operate effectively and reliably and harmoniously complement each other. All the electricity generated by the Belarusian nuclear power plant is consumed in the country and works for the benefit of the Belarusian economy. The construction of the second nuclear power plant or the third unit [of the existing nuclear power plant] is under consideration now. We will work on the project depending on what decision will be made. But the time has yet to come. Experts and government agencies are now looking into the matter and are preparing rationalizing materials. We are looking into organizational, technical, and economic matters.”

Plans are in place to increase electricity consumption in the country. “We intend to reach 44 billion kWh of electricity in 2025. By 2030 we have to reach 47 billion kWh. Such projections have been made bearing in mind the development of the real sector, electricity consumption by households, and the emergence of new consumers. Electric transport will develop. We saw an increase in the number of electric vehicles in the last few months. The power grid has to be able to satisfy their demand. This is why it is necessary to upgrade the power grid infrastructure and generation facilities in advance. As we decide in favor of the second nuclear power plant or the third unit, we have to analyze the year 2040 instead of 2030 or 2035. We have to evaluate how the manufacturing sector will develop, how much electricity Belarusian households will use, how electricity consumption volumes will change,” the energy minister noted.