National News

Site for nuclear power plant to be chosen soon

In several months Belarusian experts will make their final decision as to where to locate the nuclear plant Belarus plans to build, Alexander Mikhalevich, chief of the Energy Efficiency Centre of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, said today during a meeting with members of the Chamber of Representatives of the National Assembly of Belarus (the lower chamber of the Belarusian parliament).

There are two potential sites for the plant, both located in the Mogilev oblast: near the village of Krasnaya Polyana (Bykhov region) and Kukshinovo (the area of the Shklov and Gorki regions). When choosing the sites, the experts took note of international recommendations so as to make sure than the most stringent geological, safety and other requirements are met, he said. The final decision as to what exactly site will be chosen for the construction of a nuclear power plant will be delivered in few months, he added.

In 2007, Belarus is expected to complete theoretical research and choose a strategic partner under the project on construction of a nuclear power plant, to start negotiations with a supplier of technology and equipment. The project is to be launched in 2008. The first unit of the 1,000 MW capacity is supposed to be sent in service in 2014.

A reminder, deputies of the Chamber of Representatives are holding a seminar at the Lukoml power generating facility on the issues devoted to the legislation in energy issues of the Republic of Belarus.