Karankevich: nuclear power plant increases Belarus’ energy independence

The presence of a nuclear power plant is an element of increasing the country’s energy independence, which includes diversifying types of energy resources and reducing dependence on hydrocarbon fuels – as stated by Belarus’ Energy Minister Viktor Karankevich in his talk with Belarus 1 TV channel

“Today, only 32 countries have nuclear power units where electrical energy is generated using peaceful atoms. Belarus is among these countries. I can say that the demand for the development and construction of nuclear power plants and nuclear units is growing. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) also confirmed this in the form of the number of country applications that were submitted last year at the IAEA General Conference. A record number of countries have submitted their intentions to build their own nuclear power plants – 50 – including 27 EU member states. Moreover, those who were opposed to the development of nuclear energy are now active participants in the formation of their national energy programmes, in which their own nuclear power plant will be included in the fuel and energy balance. This is an environmentally friendly, reliable, and economical source of energy for decades to come. Belarus is already using this. Our nuclear power plant is working for the benefit of the country’s economy, bringing a tangible effect.”

Viktor Karankevich underlined that together with Russian colleagues, joint work continues currently to form common markets for gas and electricity, “A draft interstate agreement has been prepared on electrical energy, agreed upon with our Russian colleagues, approved by government bodies, and submitted to the Council of Ministers in the prescribed manner. Work is also actively underway to agree on the rules for the functioning of the common market. By late 2023, we must also complete work on the electricity market in terms of preparing the relevant agreed draft documents. Gas price conditions for 2023-2025 have not been determined yet, but we’re working under existing conditions. Relevant documents have been adopted within the Union State. These include a change to the intergovernmental agreement, and a corresponding protocol has been signed with Gazprom. After 2025, principles for the functioning of the common gas market and further operating conditions for business entities will be prepared. The most important task is further rapprochement and reaching equal economic conditions for the two countries’ subjects.”