On the operation of the Belarusian NPP and the use of nuclear energy - Lukashenko was informed about the development of the energy complex of Belarus

President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko received Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Nazarov, Aide to the Head of State Alexander Kosinets, and Minister of Energy Viktor Karankevich today for a report on the state and development of the country's energy complex, as reported by a BELTA correspondent.

The Head of State noted that the capacity of the Belarusian energy system has exceeded 10,000 megawatts. Its circulatory system comprises over 280,000 km of electrical networks and 7,500 km of thermal networks. The energy system itself generates about 4% of the country's gross domestic product.

"It is a huge undertaking, especially with the commissioning of a new energy source – the Belarusian Nuclear Power Plant. I would first like to hear how the first power unit is functioning, especially since we are ready to accept it into operation. How has the plant been tested, and how ready is it for industrial operation?" Alexander Lukashenko asked.

He also inquired about the prospects for using nuclear energy. "We have often said that with the commissioning of the new plant, we will have a large amount of electrical energy. What is the situation: domestic consumption – prospects in all areas (from the population to industry, the real sector of the economy), and what about exports?" the President inquired.

As reported by Viktor Karankevich, the energy system has ensured stable and reliable supply of electricity and thermal energy to consumers overall.

"One can find fault with minor issues, as I understand it, but overall, of course, our energy workers are doing a great job. They have practically never let us down," Alexander Lukashenko emphasized. He noted that even in emergency situations, the employees of energy enterprises act "like soldiers, perhaps even better."

Viktor Karankevich added that the main production assets are being systematically modernised, and measures are being implemented to integrate the Belarusian NPP and increase electricity consumption in the country. "The construction of electric boilers at Belenergo facilities has been fully completed, with an installed capacity of 916 megawatts by the end of 2020. Work continues on the construction of peak and reserve power sources at four major power plants in the country. In January-April 2021, the volume of electricity production amounted to 14.4 billion kilowatt-hours, an increase of 109.4% compared to last year. If necessary, we can produce more," the minister stated.

As the Minister of Energy Viktor Karankevich told journalists, the trial operation of the first power unit of the Belarusian NPP has been completed, a comprehensive test of the reactor unit at nominal capacity for 15 days has been carried out, and the acceptance certificate for comprehensive testing was signed on May 29. "Since the first power unit was connected to the grid, over 2.6 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity have been generated. This has allowed for the calculated replacement of approximately 670 million cubic meters of natural gas," the minister noted. The government has established a relevant acceptance commission for the commissioning of the first power unit, the commissioning procedure has been determined, and an operating license has been issued.

As for the second power unit, its construction readiness is 85%. "Currently, hydraulic tests of the equipment and technological systems of the first and second circuits are being carried out," Viktor Karankevich informed. According to him, fresh nuclear fuel for the second power unit was delivered to the Belarusian NPP site in April this year, which passed incoming inspection and is stored in the warehouse. "Loading of fresh nuclear fuel into the second power unit is planned for the autumn. This will be the start of the physical launch, and the connection of the second power unit to the grid and the delivery of the first kilowatt-hours are planned for the end of 2021 - the beginning of 2022," he said.

Source:belta.by