Interest in Belarus-Turkey cooperation in nuclear oversight noted

VIENNA, 18 September (BelTA) – The Turkish Atomic Energy Authority (TAEK) is interested in signing an agreement on cooperation with the Nuclear and Radiation Safety Department of the Belarusian Emergencies Ministry (Gosatomnadzor). The possibility was discussed as a Belarusian delegation led by Gosatomnadzor Head Olga Lugovskaya met with representatives of the Turkish agency in Vienna on 18 September, BelTA has learned.

The first unit of the Akkuyu nuclear power plant in Turkey is supposed to be commissioned in 2023, this is why the Turkish agency is interested in the experience and accomplishments of Belarus, which is busy implementing a nuclear energy program and will commission its first nuclear reactor sooner.

The Turkish side is also interested in the Belarusian experience of licensing the nuclear power plant, certification of the personnel, and organization of inspections. In particular, Turkey is ready to study Gosatomnadzor's inspection work at the enterprises that make equipment for the Belarusian nuclear power plant. “Nearly all the equipment our nuclear power plant needs has been bought, this is why the Belarusian regulatory agency has the relevant experience,” Olga Lugovskaya said.

The organization of stress tests of nuclear power plants was also discussed.