Belarusian nuclear station design specifications sent for expert evaluation

The preparation of design specifications and estimates for the Belarusian nuclear power plant is complete. The documents have been sent for expert evaluation in line with the established procedure. The information was released by Belarusian Deputy Energy Minister Mr Mikhail Mikhadyuk at the plenary session of the fifth international expo and conference AtomExpo Belarus 2013 on 2 April, BelTA has learned.

“As far as the work to build the nuclear power plant itself is concerned, the first concrete pouring and the beginning of the construction of the foundation and buildings of the station will be possible only after the design documents have passed all the necessary expert evaluations and the special license permit for using nuclear energy has been obtained, in particular, the one authorizing services to build the power plant,” said the official.

In his words, the first stage of the “pioneering base” has been finished. The necessary motorways and railroads to connect the future nuclear station site have been built, a substation has gone online and the construction site installations now have power. Several residential buildings for the hired personnel have been commissioned. Plans have been made to build some more.

OAO NIAEP director for building the Belarusian nuclear station Mr Yuri Pustovoi said, as many as 1,120 people are now working at the site. The number will be raised up to 3,000 by the end of the year. The number of construction workers will peak at 8,000 people. “The construction workers live in comfortable conditions. The conditions are more than comfortable in comparison with Russian construction projects,” remarked Yuri Pustovoi.

Mikhail Mikhadyuk said that starting concrete pouring this year or the construction of the nuclear power plant itself was the main task for 2013. It will be done after all the necessary expert evaluations of the project documents are completed in line with IAEA norms, international practices, Belarusian laws and after the necessary license is obtained.

The Deputy Energy Minister admitted that with the current work ahead of schedule, the construction team has nearly one year to spare before the construction of the power plant proper has to start. “If we hadn’t started the preparation work and had waited for the general contract to be signed, we would have to commission the power plant in 2019 and 2021 instead of 2018,” specified the official. In his words, by staying slightly ahead of the schedule the construction team will still observe all the quality and safety requirements while reducing the construction cost.