Business news

MINSK, 18 November (BelTA) – The Russian state nuclear industry corporation Rosatom believes that the year 2019 is the most feasible term for launching the first power-generating unit of the Belarusian nuclear power plant, Rosatom’s press service told BelTA.

The press service noted: “The information released by the Belarusian side is factually accurate. We agree with the opinion of the Belarusian customer, who believes that the year 2019 is the most feasible term for commissioning the first power-generating unit of the Belarusian nuclear power plant.”

Rosatom understands that the general public’s acceptance of the project to build the country’s first nuclear power plant is an essential factor for developing nuclear energy industry. Taking into account partnering relations, Rosatom has agreed with the decision of the Belarusian side in favor of replacing the reactor pressure vessel of the first power-generating unit.

Rosatom believes that there are no technical hindrances that disallow using the compromised reactor pressure vessel. The reactor pressure vessel is in perfect shape and fit for service as has been attested by various audits. As an additional measure Rosatom intends to invite a group of international experts to analyze the state of the vessel. If the analysis is positive, the consequent fate of the reactor pressure vessel will be decided.

The press service also said that the construction of the second power-generating unit of the Belarusian nuclear power plant proceeds strictly on schedule. The unit’s launch date — the year 2020 — remains unchanged.

The Belarusian nuclear power plant is a project to build a VVER-1200 type nuclear power plant 18km away from Ostrovets, Grodno Oblast. The BelNPP will have two power-generating units with the total output capacity of up to 2,400MW (2x1,200MW).