Expert: initiative of Belarus’ President to build another nuclear power plant is timely and aimed at the future
A technological breakthrough is impossible without powerful energy. The growing demand for energy and its changing structure necessitate the creation of breakthrough technologies and the development of new energy carriers, which involves the expenditure of significant resources. Doctor of Economics Irina Novikova, who heads the Department of Management, Business Technology and Sustainable Development at the Belarusian State Technological University, explained what potential reserves Belarus can count on in this regard.
“Only a country that has access to sufficient amounts of electricity can think about digitalisation and high technologies,” Ms. Novikova said. “Belarus has its own nuclear power plant, but it is able to replace only a quarter of the consumed volumes that the republic needs. The remaining part is replaced by hydrocarbon fuels imported from Russia. Therefore, the President's initiative to build another station is timely and aimed at the future: the volume of electricity consumed is likely to increase. The new technological order and the development of the economy primarily rely on energy. If the latter is fully generated at domestic stations, then energy security and independence are ensured.”
