Belarusian nuclear power plant electricity to satisfy over 40% of real sector's, population's demand

MOSCOW, 24 May (BelTA) – The electricity the Belarusian nuclear power plant will generate will allow satisfying over 40% of the demand of the real sector of the economy and the population, BelTA learned from Belarusian Energy Minister Viktor Karankevich on the sidelines of the 2nd Eurasian Economic Forum in Moscow.

Viktor Karankevich underlined the importance of ensuring Belarus' energy security. It is ensured by means of diversification of the energy resources in use, by reducing dependence on hydrocarbon fuel. “Primarily by implementing measures to develop the nuclear energy industry. At present we see that the decision in favor of building the Belarusian nuclear power plant was balanced. The Belarusian nuclear power plant is already working for the benefit of the country's economy and allows getting the corresponding effect. Thus, commissioning of the Belarusian nuclear power plant is the main component in efforts meant to improve energy security of Belarus,” the official said.

The energy minister noted that the first unit of the Belarusian nuclear power plant is operating at rated output while the output of the second unit was raised to 50% virtually the other day.

“Once the Belarusian nuclear power plant is commissioned, it will make about 18.5 billion kWh of electricity per annum. It will allow satisfying over 40% of the demand for electricity of the real sector of the economy and the population. Respectively it will allow reducing the usage of natural gas for energy generation. The share of natural gas used for energy generation has been over 90% until very recently. Once the Belarusian nuclear power plant is commissioned, it will drop to 60%,” Viktor Karankevich said.

Further development of the power grid infrastructure is an important condition for improving energy security. Various power substations get modernized every year. New high-voltage power lines are built and existing ones are reconstructed. Modern technologies are introduced for the sake of automating and digitizing business processes.

Local fuels are also introduced into the fuel and energy budget. Work is in progress to use renewable sources of energy.

“All the combined efforts allow securing an increase in Belarus' energy security and independence. And ensuring the stable operation of the country's energy system taking into account external restrictions and barriers,” Viktor Karankevich concluded.