Opinions & Interviews

OSTROVETS, 16 November (BelTA) – The first power-generating unit of the Belarusian nuclear power plant will be commissioned in 2019, BelTA learned from Deputy Prime Minister of Belarus Vladimir Semashko in Ostrovets, Grodno Oblast on 16 November.

Asked about the construction of the Belarusian nuclear power plant, the Deputy Prime Minister noted that the work proceeds on schedule. “We expect the new reactor pressure vessel to be delivered by the end of the year. It will be put in place in spring 2017. Thus, we expect the power-generating unit to commission in 2019,” said Vladimir Semashko.

“As you know, a reactor pressure vessel has been dropped due to carelessness on the part of the contractor. The independent regulating agency decided that we couldn’t accept the reactor vessel the way it was. Reliability and safety are our watchwords. Even if the doubts are miniscule, the reactor has to be replaced. This is why the decision to get it replaced was made. It was our decision,” stressed the Deputy Prime Minister of Belarus.