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Belarus plans to launch BelNPP second unit in 2022
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OSTROVETS DISTRICT, 11 May (BelTA) - The second power unit of the Belarusian NPP is to come on stream in 2022, Belarusian Deputy Energy Minister Mikhail Mikhadyuk, BelTA has learned.
"The second power unit is at the stage of commissioning. We are doing the tests as envisaged in the special programs. The work is on schedule. We are planning to connect the unit to the grid this year," said Mikhail Mikhadyuk.
With two power units up and running, the Belarusian NPP will generate about 18 billion kWh per year for the country's energy system. "Today, the cost of electricity production at our nuclear power plant is somewhat lower than at classical stations. With the commissioning of the Belarusian NPP, we will replace 4.5 billion cubic meters of natural gas per year. There are environmental advantages, which has already been recognized by all those who oppose nuclear power plants. For example, Germany has returned to the nuclear issue again," the deputy minister said.
The Belarusian NPP also contributes to the development of the region and the country as a whole, he noted. In Belarus, there are programs to increase electricity consumption, to develop electric transport and convert housing to electric heating.
The Belarusian nuclear power plant uses the Russian design AES-2006 featuring two VVER-1200 reactors with the total output capacity of 2,400MW. Generation III+ reactor units boast improved technical and economic parameters. A unique combination of active and passive safeguards make the nuclear power plant extremely resilient to external and internal impacts. The double shell of the reactor building will protect the Belarusian nuclear power plant in the event of an earthquake, hurricane, flood, explosion and other external impacts.
The Russian VVER technology is by far the most used and tested in the world. Over the past decade it has been used to build nuclear power plants in China, India. Preparations are in progress to construct nuclear power plants in Egypt, Turkey, Hungary, Bangladesh, and Uzbekistan.
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