MINSK, 28 January (BelTA) – Another nuclear power plant may be built in Belarus. Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko made the statement as he answered questions of the people invited to attend his address to the nation and the parliament on 28 January, BelTA has learned.
Aleksandr Lukashenko said: “When we were considering options for building our first nuclear power plant, the only one, I decided to have it built in Ostrovets. There were two more locations. They had been researched since the Soviet times. By the way, a nuclear power plant was supposed to be built near Minsk where we have a most powerful cogeneration plant. But it did not come to pass in the Soviet times. The nuclear power plant was not built. Maybe for the better, I don't know. Maybe, it was a variant of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, which was not perfect. When studies were carried out, two variants were suggested. Soils were sampled in Mogilev Oblast. It was not that easy since underground waters are close to the surface there. And here, in Ostrovets. But the decision was made to build the Belarusian nuclear power plant in Ostrovets.”
The president specified that nuclear fuel for a nuclear power plant costs about $150 million. “It lasts for 5-6 years. We save a lot of money per year. And money is not the only consideration. The energy is pure. And it is a modern nuclear power plant. It has been polished. You know that its operation was suspended several times, some parameters were rectified, things got fixed and adjusted. I am preparing your minds for the possible construction of another nuclear power plant. Why not?” Aleksandr Lukashenko remarked. “There are 15 nuclear power plant units in Ukraine. Poland wants to build two nuclear power plants or four units. It is only the beginning. We are in dialogue with some countries, which know how to do it, including with the Russian Federation. Whoever offers more profitable terms will get the contract. It is a possibility.”
Aleksandr Lukashenko stressed that it is too early to say that Belarus will start building the second nuclear power plant tomorrow. “Where should we build it? I'd love to build another one in the east. Specialists tell me it will be slightly cheaper to build it in Ostrovets. If we add two more units, it will be like another nuclear power plant. Because the construction of a nuclear power plant requires an entire factory. Multiple shops where equipment is assembled, welded, and so on. We will import a Russian reactor while all the rest has to be made over there. And these facilities have already been created. If we do it there, it will be slightly cheaper,” the Belarusian leader explained. “This is why there is still a lot of hesitation, but I am resolute that we will at least begin building this nuclear power plant if we cannot build it in my and your lifetimes. We'll see how circumstances turn out.”
