Business news

19 Dec 2024

Belarusian nuclear power plant generates over 38bn kWh of electricity

An archive photo

MINSK, 19 December (BelTA) – The Belarusian nuclear power plant (BelNPP) has cumulatively generated more than 38 billion kWh of electricity, Belarusian Deputy Energy Minister Denis Moroz said at a press conference in BelTA’s press center.

“As for the Belarusian nuclear power plant, it should be noted that it has generated more than 38 billion kWh since it was launched. This has allowed the country to replace more than 10 billion cubic meters of imported natural gas. These figures emphasize that the nuclear power plant works for the benefit of the economy and saves foreign currency as it stays inside the country,” Denis Moroz said.

The most important event at BelNPP this year was the scheduled maintenance at the second power unit. “In December, scheduled maintenance started at the first power unit. Everything is in accordance with the schedule,” the deputy minister added.

The Belarusian nuclear power plant uses the Russian design AES-2006 featuring two VVER-1200 reactors with the total output capacity of 2,400MW. It is an evolutionary nuclear power plant design with third-generation water-moderated reactors. Such designs boast improved technical and economic parameters. A combination of active and passive safeguards is their key feature.

The first unit of the Belarusian nuclear power plant was put into commercial operation in June 2021, the second unit - in November 2023. Annually, BelNPP will generate about 18 billion kWh and meet more than 40% of the country's domestic electricity needs. The nuclear power plant is not only a guarantor of Belarus' energy security, but also a significant contributor to the common cause of climate change mitigation. Due to the commissioning of BelNPP, greenhouse gas emissions will be reduced by about 7 million tonnes per year.