Lukashenko announced the launch of the second unit of the Astravets nuclear power plant News

The first power unit of the Astravets power plant, as SOYUZ previously reported, has already generated more than 12.5 billion kW / h of electricity, which, according to experts, made it possible to replace about three billion cubic meters of natural gas and save more. more than 400 million dollars for Belarus.The head of state called the construction of the nuclear power plant one of the most large-scale and technological projects that the country is implementing together with the Russians. “A lot has been done to implement this project,” he said, adding that with the commissioning of the second block of the plant, the power generation volume will increase to 18.5 billion kWh. , meeting about 40% of Sineokaya’s electricity needs.
At the same time, the president stressed that radiation safety and the reliability of the energy installation are “a priority among priorities”. This issue was discussed in detail even “at the stage of making a very serious decision on the construction of the station, all world experience was taken into account”, after all, according to the president, it is ” property of the people”. “In this regard, Lukashenko also recalled the position of the destructive group, which during the election campaign three years ago opposed the construction of a nuclear power plant. Now the fugitive opposition even promised ” to shut down the nuclear power plant if it comes to power. Although billions have already been invested in its construction,” the president said.According to him, they were pushed into this, first of all, by the closest neighbors of the republic – Poland and Lithuania. And today, Warsaw itself has planned “the construction of two nuclear power plants, and maybe three.” And in Vilnius they are already announcing the construction of their own nuclear power plant, the president drew the attention of the meeting participants.From an economic point of view, for energy security, Lukashenka demanded to ensure the efficient operation of the entire plant, its full capacity quickly reaching. However, this should in no way come at the expense of the quality of construction, he reiterated his position. “Security is the number one issue, and we will demand the strictest security and respect for building standards,” said the head of state.Addressing the issue of postponing the final commissioning of the station, the Belarusian leader clarified that this was due to very high security requirements. “It’s better to be six months – a year behind than not to finish something somewhere,” he said, adding that if the President’s involvement is required to complete the work, he “is prepared to take the necessary decisions immediately”.By the way, speaking at the meeting, Energy Minister Viktor Karankevich assured that the second BelNPP power unit will be put into commercial operation in October 2023.
In April, he explained, the first grid connection test of the second power unit is planned. At the same time, the power of the nuclear power plant will be increased to 40%. “In April-September, work will be systematically carried out to develop the power of the nuclear power plant up to the nominal power with tests within the framework of a pilot operation. Preparation for the commissioning of the nuclear power plant in its together in accordance with the commissioning programs is scheduled for October 2023,” confirmed the Minister.Observers remind that the power plant with two VVER-1200 reactors with a total capacity of 2400 MW in the Grodno region is considered the largest economic project of the state of the Union.Its construction began in 2013 jointly with the state company Rosatom. The official launch of the first power unit took place on November 7, 2020, and commercial operation began on June 10, 2021.