Opinions & Interviews
Energy ministry speaks on BelNPP progress
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OSTROVETS, 22 August (BelTA) – Belarus’ Deputy Energy Minister Mikhail Mikhadyuk told the media about the progress in the construction of the Belarusian nuclear power plant (BelNPP) on 22 August, BelTA has learned.
“There is a period after the connection of a nuclear plant when capacity is gradually gained and studies are carried out. The commissioning of a nuclear power plant is considered to be a phase after the completion of the pilot operation and the entire cycle of works, including reaching the nominal capacity. It is planned that the first unit will be fully completed next year. Our number one task today is to prevent any rush that might affect safety in the future. There are strict regulations in each area and for each technological chain. Before we start testing any process chain, our personnel work it out on a simulator. Today our personnel are working 24/7, the same as at the operating plant, and are carrying out commissioning works together with our general contractor,” said Mikhail Mikhadyuk.
Construction and installation works are carried out at all facilities and structures of the first and second power units of the BelNPP. Currently, 35 subcontractors (21 Belarusian and 14 Russian) work on the site. The number of construction and installation personnel reaches 6,000 people. Since the project was launched, some 1.17 million cubic meters of concrete has been laid, which makes up 99% of the volume provided for the project, and 158,800 tonnes of reinforcement (99.5% of the total volume) have been installed.
Construction of the first power unit of the Belarusian nuclear power plant is at the stage of completion, with commissioning works to be in full swing. Installation of the main and process equipment is in progress at the second power unit.
Hydro testing will soon begin at BelNPP. “We will next hold cold and hot operational testing, then review them and will be ready for the physical start-up,” the deputy minister said.
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