Rapid advancement of nuclear energy in Belarus noted

MINSK, 2 November (BelTA) – International experts believe that Belarus is one of the most advanced countries among nuclear industry novices, BelTA learned from the publication released by the United Nations News Center to describe nuclear energy as an important instrument for developing the green economy.

According to the source, Belarus started building its first nuclear power plant several years ago. A group of nuclear safety experts visited Belarus in 2016. After examining the state of affairs the international experts named Belarus one of the most advanced countries among nuclear industry novices. The nuclear power plant in Belarus is supposed to be commissioned by the end of the decade.

It was noted that interest in nuclear energy industry has been rising in the last few years. As many as 60 new nuclear reactors are being built all over the world now. The energy market trends are partially explained by the rapid global warming and the dwindling reserves of oil and natural gas.

Nuclear energy development ways were discussed by participants of the latest International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) conference in Abu Dhabi. IAEA Director General Yukiya Amano underscored that nuclear energy is a reliable instrument of sustainable development. Some 700 delegates from 67 countries took part in the three-day conference. They noted the important role nuclear energy plays in promoting “green” economic development. The experts underlined that nuclear energy installations release virtually no greenhouse gases that cause global warming. Nuclear power plants account for 11% of the world’s energy output. It is one third of the total amount of electricity, which is generated using low-carbon sources.

There are 449 operational nuclear power plants in the world at present. They are located in 30 countries. As many as 20 new reactors were commissioned in the last two years.