Belarusian specialists can build the third power unit of the Belarusian Nuclear Power Plant themselves by 85-90%, and obtain the main components from Russia. This was stated by the President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko at a meeting with the Governor of the Rostov Region Yuri Slyusar, as reported by a BELTA correspondent.
The Head of State noted that the construction of a new nuclear power plant was discussed with the Russian partner "Rosatom". "We decided that we will build the third unit and will hold a dialogue on the construction of a second nuclear power plant - again, in the east (of Belarus. - BELTA's note)," said Alexander Lukashenko.
"If we build a second nuclear power plant in the south-east of Belarus... It might be needed by the south-west of Russia as well. Anything is possible," added the Head of State.
The Belarusian leader stated that he also discussed this issue with the President of Russia Vladimir Putin during a phone call on November 15: "Vladimir Vladimirovich and I discussed this issue the day before yesterday, and agreed to continue the discussion."
According to Alexander Lukashenko, Vladimir Putin supported the idea of building the third power unit of the Belarusian NPP. "We are ready to build the third unit. The President has absolutely no objections - I feel and know his support. The head of Rosatom has absolute support. Of course, they are interested in this," noted the Head of State. "Moreover, we are ready to build this plant ourselves by 85-90%. As for engineering and the reactor - that's the Russians. We will get these main components from Russia, we know how to do everything else. The Russians taught us during the construction of this first plant."
Speaking about the competencies of Belarusian specialists, Alexander Lukashenko pointed out that they are helping the Russians in building power plants abroad. In particular, domestic specialists are working on the construction of nuclear power plants in Hungary and Egypt. "Russia has a shortage of personnel today, just like we do. But we have these specialists, and 3,000 are working with your guys at the facilities. You transferred the technologies to us and taught us this," he emphasized.
As reported by BELTA, on November 14, at a meeting on the results of the Belarusian NPP operation, increased electricity consumption, and proposals for the construction of new nuclear capacities, a decision was made to construct the third power unit of the Belarusian Nuclear Power Plant in Ostrovets. In parallel with the construction of the third power unit at the Belarusian NPP, work will be organised to explore sites in the Mogilev region, where, in the future, under conditions of growing electricity consumption, a decision may be made to create additional nuclear capacities.