Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 23 March (BelTA) – Belarus is first and foremost interested in the safe operation of the nuclear power plant, which is being built near Ostrovets. Belarusian Deputy Energy Minister Mikhail Mikhadyuk made the statement as he met with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Lithuania Toyoei Shigeeda, the press service of the Belarusian Energy Ministry told BelTA.

The meeting took place upon the initiative of the Japanese side. The implementation of the Belarusian energy program was discussed during the meeting. Prior to visiting the Belarusian Energy Ministry Toyoei Shigeeda went to the Belarusian nuclear power plant information center in Ostrovets.

Mikhail Mikhadyuk underlined that Belarus is interested in the open and transparent construction of the nuclear power plant. He explained that the decision to build the nuclear power plant had been made primarily due to the lack of sufficient domestic fuel and energy resources. The main goal of building the nuclear power plant is to diversify the kinds of fuel in use and reduce the prime cost of electricity generated in Belarus. These accomplishments will bolster the country’s energy security and the competitive ability of the national economy. If there is a demand for electricity abroad, Belarus will be able to export it to neighboring countries.

The Japanese diplomat was informed about the main stages of the nuclear power plant construction project, the AES-2006 design of the nuclear power plant, the choice of the construction site and the consideration of alternative sites for building the nuclear power plant. During the meeting the sides also discussed the organization of control over the quality of equipment and work, cooperation with the IAEA and other international organizations, the nuclear power plant’s security, and personnel training.

Asked about the safety of the nuclear power plant, Mikhail Mikhadyuk stressed that Belarus had been greatly affected by the accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. This is why the country is first and foremost interested in the safety of the nuclear power plant during construction and during consequent operation.

Mikhail Mikhadyuk also invited the ambassador and his colleagues to visit the construction site of the Belarusian nuclear power plant.