MINSK, 1 September (BelTA) – Belarusian Economy Minister Aleksandr Chervyakov made a few comments in response to mass media reports about a concerted decision of the Baltic states to stop buying electricity from Belarus after the nuclear power plant near Ostrovets goes online, BelTA has learned.
The official said: “If we talk about the economic side of things, the nuclear power plant was initially designed as a means to reduce Belarus' dependence on imported natural gas. With this in mind plans have been made to gradually phase out the power plants that use natural gas and that are getting outdated. We also intend to increase electricity consumption by encouraging the development of electric industry.”
Speaking about economic consequences of the neighboring countries' decision in the medium term, the economy minister noted it will surely become an additional incentive for Belarus to expedite the establishment of enterprises meant to use up excessive electricity.