Opinions & Interviews

VIENNA, 27 September (BelTA) – The reactor vessel of the first power generating unit of the Belarusian nuclear power plant (BelNPP) will be replaced in working order, Rosatom Director General Sergei Kiriyenko told media on 27 September, BelTA has learned.

“If Belarusians request the replacement of the reactor vessel, and they actually did it, we will replace it. There are no problems here. The reactor vessel is fully operative and can be used at other projects. There will be no additional costs, except for the transportation of the reactor. As for the adjustment of the schedule (of BelNPP construction – BelTA’s note), it is an issue of working procedure,” Sergei Kiriyenko told media.

The Rosatom head praised a good spirit of understanding with the Belarusian colleagues and added that he held talks with Belarus’ Deputy Energy Minister Mikhail Mikhadyuk in Vienna.

Sergei Kiriyenko reminded the reporters of the fact that Belarus suffered most from the Chernobyl accident, which may influence the public opinion on nuclear power matters. He stressed that he understands the concerns related not only to technical issues but also to public acceptance of the project. “We respect the decisions of our Belarusian colleagues and understand that they can be explained more by the public opinion than technical requirements,” the Rosatom head added.