Belarus, Rosatom considering new cooperation avenues

MINSK, 21 July (BelTA) – Belarus and the Russian state nuclear industry corporation Rosatom are considering new cooperation avenues. Belarusian Deputy Energy Minister Mikhail Mikhadyuk mentioned it during a seminar held on 21 July for heads of Belarusian diplomatic missions and consular institutions, BelTA has learned.

In particular, the sides are considering a project to create a joint center for nuclear research and scientific studies on the basis of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus. Belarus and Rosatom are considering the establishment of joint labs specializing in nuclear medicine and are considering the digitization of nuclear energy facilities and power grid infrastructure. Apart from that, the possibility of implementing joint projects in the sphere of quantum technologies and new materials is under consideration as well as research in the area of agriculture and radiobiology.

The Energy Ministry press service quoted Mikhail Mikhadyuk as saying: “Partnership will be advanced with other Russian companies and organizations, too, including in the sphere of scientific and technical support for the operation of the Belarusian nuclear power plant and for extending its service life, in the sphere of management of spent nuclear fuel and radioactive waste. The development of an intergovernmental agreement on shipping nuclear materials is in the final phase. We will also have to prepare an intergovernmental agreement on the management of spent nuclear fuel.”

Mikhail Mikhadyuk mentioned Belarus-Russia cooperation in building nuclear power plants and their facilities in third countries as a promising cooperation avenue. Belarusian specialists have the necessary competence and experience for participation in such projects. “Hungary, Turkey, Egypt, Uzbekistan, and Bangladesh are examining our experience of nuclear power plant construction. These countries and Rosatom are interested in getting Belarusian specialists and construction workers involved in the implementation of projects focusing on nuclear power plant construction and on personnel training,” the official said.