Belarusian energy minister comments on global attitudes towards nuclear power

MINSK, 1 November (BelTA) – Belarusian Energy Minister Viktor Karankevich spoke about the advantages of nuclear power and its development in the world in an interview with Belarus 1 TV channel, BelTA has learned.

“A nuclear power plant is an element of increased energy independence of the country. It is both diversification of energy resources and reduction of dependence on hydrocarbon fuel. Some 32 countries have nuclear power units and produce electricity using peaceful atom, and Belarus is among these countries. The demand for NPP construction is growing across the globe, and the IAEA confirms it,” Viktor Karankevich said.

At the IAEA general conference in 2022, a record number of states declared the need to develop nuclear power. In total, these are 50 states, including 27 countries of the European Union. “Those who were opponents of nuclear power development are now developing national energy programs, where the fuel and energy balance includes an own nuclear power plant. It is an environmentally friendly, economical and reliable source of energy for decades to come. Belarus is already using it, the plant works for the country's economy and brings tangible results,” the minister emphasized.

The Belarusian nuclear power plant uses the Russian design AES-2006 featuring two VVER-1200 reactors with the total output capacity of 2,400MW. It is an evolutionary nuclear power plant design with third-generation water-moderated reactors. Such designs boast improved technical and economic parameters. A unique combination of active and passive safeguards is their key feature. In October 2023 the Belarusian Emergencies Ministry issued a license for the operation of the second power unit of the Belarusian nuclear power plant.