Lukashenko: safety and reliability of nuclear power plant operation is top priority
Issues related to the Belarusian nuclear power plant’s operation have been discussed at today’s meeting with the President
In the beginning of the conversation, Aleksandr Lukashenko noted that construction of Belarus’ first nuclear power plant is one of the most ambitious and technologically advanced projects that the country has ever performed jointly with Russians.
“A lot has been done to implement this project. The first power unit has been put into operation, and it is already functioning, providing electricity to the grid. Since its launch, more than 12.5bn kWh have been generated – making it possible to replace over 3bn cubic metres of gas and save over $400m for the country. This initial result is actually not bad,” the Head of State said.
Aleksandr Lukashenko emphasised that a physical start-up of the second power unit is currently underway: it is to be launched in April.
“I have repeatedly stressed that radiation safety and reliability of operation of a nuclear power plant is a top priority, and you know the reason for that. We discussed those issues much at the stage of making a serious decision on the station’s construction, also taking into account all the world experience. The highest technologies are used here. This is the heritage of our people. Accordingly, all issues related to the construction and operation of our nuclear power plant need a balanced approach and special attention,” the President pointed out the most important conditions for the nuclear energy development.
Aleksandr Lukashenko recalled the opposition that Belarusian nuclear power plant’s construction faced in the past, especially during an election campaign in 2020. “All those with alternative views – who are now fugitives – promised to close the nuclear power plant if they came to power, although billions [of Dollars] had already been invested in its construction. Our competitors were primarily pushing them for that. Sadly, [these are] our closest neighbours: Poland and Lithuania. What can we observe now? Poland plans to construct two nuclear power plants, or maybe three. Lithuania has also announced the construction of its own nuclear power plant. Just imagine what would have happened if we – getting absorbed in playing political games – stopped the construction or closed our nuclear power plant, or they would have come to power and shut down the station in which about $5bn had already been invested. This is their face, for you to know,” he said.
The President stressed that, from an economic point of view, it is very important to ensure the station’s efficient and full operation for energy security. In this regard, the Head of State addressed the meeting participants, “How is safety ensured, are all norms and regulations fulfilled during the construction and operation of the station? I know that Russians sometimes complain that we impose excessive safety requirements on them, but they should understand that we are the Chernobyl republic. We suffered as a result of an explosion at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant which we had not built, operated or blown up. Therefore, safety is the number one issue, and we will demand the highest safety and compliance with standards during the construction.”
Aleksandr Lukashenko also asked when the second power unit of the Belarusian NPP would be put into operation, noting, “We did not hide anything, and we do not intend to hide that there were certain shortcomings in the construction of the nuclear power plant; they were very quickly eliminated by our and Russian specialists. The delay in deadlines is due to the fact that we really impose very high security requirements. It is better [to delay the launch] for six or twelve months, than to underfulfil the task.”
Nevertheless, the President wondered what measures are being taken to accelerate the implementation of the project, “After all, the foundation is ready, it has been polished. There are only 1.5-2 percent of some shortcomings in the construction part. When will we complete the work?”
Aleksandr Lukashenko summed up, “I am absolutely open to your suggestions today. If you need my help, I am ready to make the necessary decisions immediately. Therefore, let's discuss the topic openly, and not just sit out this meeting.”
