Opinions & Interviews

Belarus' vice premier: BelNPP construction project is on schedule

MINSK, 5 March (BelTA) – The construction of the Belarusian nuclear power plant (BelNPP) is on schedule, Belarus’ Deputy Prime Minister Vladimir Semashko said in an interview to Belarus 1 TV channel, BelTA informs.

“The nuclear power plant is a large-scale project. In 2019 we are to launch the first power generating unit. We are planning the loading of nuclear fuel in February. The second power generating unit will be commissioned in late 2020. Everything is on schedule,” Vladimir Semashko said.

In his words, several years ago Belarus imported more than 7 billion kWh of electricity. This year the country stopped electricity imports. “Moreover, this year we are planning to export some 2.5-3 billion kWh. This will improve the balance of payments. The ministries have been instructed to decide on the surplus once the Belarusian nuclear power plant is commissioned,” the vice premier said.

According to Vladimir Semashko, there are plans for a wide usage of electric buses in Belarusian cities and also to develop the Belarusian electromobile. “The task is difficult and we are looking to ways of addressing it. These areas show that there are no problems with making the balance of energy once the Belarusian nuclear power plant goes online,” he said.

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