Belarus’ PM: nuclear power plant was once a dream that was hard to believe
A nuclear power plant was once a dream for Belarus that was hard to believe, but smart people came and made that dream the goal of their lives – achieving success. As noted by Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko at today’s solemn ceremony of bestowing state awards upon those whose achievements have been rightfully recognised by the state, the Belarusian NPP is now a pride for all residents of the republic.
"We have gathered in this hall today following the instruction of President Aleksandr Lukashenko to present state awards to people whose achievements are rightfully recognised by the state," Mr. Golovchenko said at the ceremony held at the Palace of the Republic. “Each of those present here is not just a professional, an expert in a particular sphere, but the one who is not afraid to make decisions, who makes our country stronger and better with their skill and talent. Your achievements are not just personal successes: they are a contribution to the common goal, to the cause that unites us all. You are the real support and pride of our country.”
The Prime Minister noted that persons whose experience and knowledge had made it possible to implement one of the most significant and ambitious projects of Belarus – the development of peaceful atom – had been awarded for their great contribution to strengthening the economic security of the state, long-term conscientious work in the design, construction and commissioning of the Belarusian nuclear power plant. “Having no large reserves of hydrocarbons, Belarus once relied on the development of nuclear energy. The decision on a large-scale construction project was made by the Head of State in 2008, and we all know how difficult that decision was. The project was part of Belarus’ Energy Security Concept, which made it possible to significantly increase energy security of the state,” he said.
According to Mr. Golovchenko, in the last few years, everyone could have seen how the changing geopolitical situation and the global energy crisis caused by sanctions and external restrictions have affected the economies of a number of European countries and, accordingly, the quality of life of people, when energy tariffs increased significantly. “This has forced many, including our neighbours, to reconsider their energy strategies. For example, Bulgaria, Latvia, Poland, France, the Czech Republic, Switzerland and others have announced their intentions to build a nuclear power plant – in short, many of those who actually criticised our decision to follow the path of developing peaceful atom,” he noted.
The Head of Government recalled that, just recently, when visiting our country, the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed not only the highest technical and operational level of the Belarusian NPP, but also said that Belarus is, in fact, a bright example of how a novice country organically joined the club of world powers that use peaceful atom, “Not only from the point of view of the plant itself, but also from the point of view of the construction and development of infrastructure around it, the training of national personnel in this field and, of course, compliance with all the highest standards of nuclear safety.”
Mr. Golovchenko clarified: the share of electricity (that is already being generated at the Belarusian nuclear power plant) in the total energy production in the country exceeds 25 percent, and it will continue growing, “A nuclear power plant was once a dream that was hard to believe. However, people came who made that dream the goal of their lives. They have achieved success, and it is now a matter of pride for all of us.”
