Opinions & Interviews

In response to Lithuania’s complaints about the construction of the Belarusian nuclear power plant, the official noted that the project complies with all the international safety requirements, including those of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and WANO. Belarus has prepared the relevant environmental impact assessment report on time. Belarus is building the most reliable and safest nuclear power plant, stressed the deputy prime minister.

In his words, safety was the top priority when the design of the Belarusian nuclear power plant had to be chosen. “We consulted with the world’s many leading companies and many countries. It took a year and a half for me personally. In the end we chose in favor of the Russian design. It is most up-to-date,” said the deputy prime minister of Belarus.

Vladimir Semashko pointed out that Belarus vigorously cooperates with international organizations in the area of nuclear energy, including the IAEA and WANO. “In order to calm down the public opinion, primarily in neighboring countries, we keep an eye and follow all the rules and recommendations that exist within the framework of the IAEA, the Espoo Convention and so on. We have finished stress testing the nuclear power plant. Now an independent regulating agency — the Nuclear and Radiation Safety Department of the Belarusian Emergencies Ministry — is preparing the national report. Although the rules don’t require it, we will still forward our report to the European Union so that the European Commission could have a look at it. If they decide to come here and discuss the report and give recommendations, we will follow them,” said Vladimir Semashko.

The international conference of the World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO) is scheduled to take place in Minsk on 30 May – 1 June to discuss support for new power-generating units of nuclear power plants. The seminar is supposed to allow sharing the best international practices in operating nuclear power plants for the sake of reaching the highest safety and reliability standards. Specialists are expected to discuss support for new power-generating units, safe nuclear practices, licensing, personnel training, and other matters. Participants of the conference are expected to visit the construction site of the Belarusian nuclear power plant. Taking part in the event are WANO experts from Russia, the UK, France, Hungary, Japan, China, Pakistan, Finland, the UAE and other countries as well as IAEA representatives. Participants of the conference are expected to visit the construction site of the Belarusian nuclear power plant on 1 June.

WANO unites all the operators of nuclear power plants (a total of about 450 power-generating units). The organization is intent on improving the safe operation of all the nuclear power plants in the world. The state enterprise Belarusian Nuclear Power Plant joined the organization in 2016.