Nuclear energy to account for 40% of Belarus’ energy mix

After the commissioning of the nuclear power plant, nuclear energy will account for about 40% of Belarus’ energy mix. The statement was made by Vasily Polyukhovich, Deputy Director of the Nuclear Energy Department of the Belarusian Energy Ministry, during the online conference hosted by the BelTA website on 12 December.

“After the delivery of the Belarusian nuclear power plant, the share of gas used to generate electric energy will drop. This will balance out our energy mix. Many countries seek to avoid domination of one energy source in electric energy production and to maintain even distribution of energy sources,” he said.

Vasily Polyukhovich noted that the nuclear power plant will allow diversifying sources of energy and raise the country’s energy security, because the NPP will guarantee uninterrupted electric energy generation for at least one year. “The fuel reserves at the NPP will last for a year. One year is enough to address any issues. Besides, having its own NPP, the country will not so much depend on price fluctuations on the energy market,” he said.

In November the Ostrovets site saw the launch of concrete pouring operations to build the first power-generating unit of the Belarusian nuclear power plant. The Belarusian nuclear power plant will have two power-generating units with the total capacity of up to 2,400MW (1,200MW each). The Russian design AES-2006 has been chosen to build the power plant. The design is fully compliant with international standards and IAEA recommendations. The Russian public joint-stock company OAO NIAEP – ZAO Atomstroyexport is the general designer and the general contractor for building the power plant. The timeline for implementing the project is stipulated by the general contract. The first power-engineering unit of the nuclear power plant is scheduled for launch in November 2018.

Belarus and Russia signed the general contract to build the Belarusian nuclear power plant in July 2012. The cost of building the installation is primarily covered by a state export loan granted by Russia. In line with the relevant intergovernmental agreement the loan can provide up to $10 billion for 25 years to cover 90% of the cost of every contract between the Russian company ZAO Atomstroyexport and the Belarusian state institution Directorate for Nuclear Power Plant Construction.