07 October 2025, 18:07

Third power unit or a second NPP? Energy minister outlines advantages of both options

MINSK, 7 October (BelTA) – Both ways have their advantages, Belarusian Energy Minister Denis Moroz said on the sidelines of the Belarusian Energy and Environmental Forum, BelTA has learned.

“The construction of the first Belarusian nuclear power plant has had a considerable impact our country’s economy. So far, the BelNPP has generated over 51 billion kWh of electricity, replacing about 14 billion cubic meters of natural gas. Certainly, such an effect in the energy sector and in related industries suggests that we must further explore this idea,” Denis Moroz said.

Electricity consumption is on the rise in Belarus. Over the last five years electricity consumption rose by about 6 billion kWh. In 2024 electricity consumption exceeded 43 billion kWh to set a record for sovereign Belarus. “This year we expect an even larger volume of electricity consumption. By 2030 it will be about 47 billion kWh. This growing consumer demand for electricity needs to be satisfied,” the minister stressed.

One of the ways to satisfy this demand is to develop the nuclear power industry. “Two conceptually different options for developing the nuclear power industry are under consideration. The first one is the construction of the third power unit at the site of the Belarusian nuclear power plant. This option has a number of considerable advantages, which are primarily connected with the utilization of the existing engineering and social infrastructure around the BelNPP. In this case, the construction of this third unit will proceed much faster and will cost considerably less,” the energy minister noted.

An alternative way is the construction of another Belarusian nuclear power plant. “Belarus’ eastern part is viewed as the most preferable location for it. This option is also justified because the necessary power grid infrastructure for integrating an NPP is generally available across the entire territory of Belarus. Considerable advantages of this option are social aspects and regional development because a nuclear power plant provides a very powerful impetus for the regional development. A vivid example is Ostrovets, which is a rapidly developing town. A nuclear power plant means thousands of new jobs, new technologies, and new enterprises, which provide a new perspective on the region’s development,” the minister said.

“So, two options are on the table now. We are comparing and assessing which option will yield the greatest benefit for Belarus. Our focus is not on short-term gains, but on long-term strategic impact, considering our nation’s future development,” Denis Moroz said.