Since the commissioning of BelNPP first power unit, greenhouse gas emissions reduced by almost 6m tonnes

Since the commissioning of the first power unit, the Belarusian nuclear power plant (BelNPP) has reduced greenhouse gas emissions by almost 6 million tonnes – as Belarus’ Energy Minister Viktor Karankevich noted at a panel session – High Technologies as a Driver of Eurasian Integration – held in Sochi as part of the Eurasian Congress. The head of the Belarusian energy department also informed about the potential for the development of Belarus’ nuclear energy and the opportunities for the national economy – as reported by the Energy Ministry’s press service.

The key goal of the project is to strengthen Belarus’ energy security and energy independence. “We’ve received a reliable and environmentally friendly source of energy for decades to come, which will reduce our country’s dependence on imported hydrocarbon raw materials,” said Viktor Karankevich.

Since the inclusion of the BelNPP first power unit in the country’s energy system, as well as taking into account the second unit’s work at the stage of pilot operation, the total electricity generation amounted to 15.5 billion kWh, enabling to replace about 4 billion cubic metres of natural gas.

Moreover, with the commissioning of the second power unit, the plant will reduce emissions into the environment by more than 7 million tonnes annually. “BelNPP is a significant contribution to the common cause of climate change mitigation,” said the Energy Minister.