The Minister noted that the construction of a nuclear power plant in Belarus began in May 2012, but before that period - in 2008-2012 - a lot of preparatory work was carried out. "This is the creation of regulatory bodies and the formation of a legislative base, which were based on IAEA documents,” he recalled. - This is the selection and preparation of the site for the construction of Belarusian nuclear power plant, the development of the ground for investments, including the implementation and assessment of the environmental impact of the nuclear power plant; obtaining the necessary permits and licenses."
Russian project of the three plus generation NPP-2006 was chosen as most suitable for Belarus, taking into account the analysis of all aspects. “This project meets current safety conditions and meets the requirements of the IAEA and the European Union,” Victor Karankevich said.
Since 2008, Belarus has been closely cooperating with the IAEA. "During the construction of the nuclear power plant, various technical cooperation projects were implemented, seven different IAEA expert missions were carried out with this agency and the participation of specialists of Belarusian nuclear power plant - the minister said. - The safety of a nuclear power plant is a top priority for Belarus, and, according to international experts, Belarusian NPP is being built taking into account all the requirements and recommendations of the International Atomic Energy Agency".
Energy security issues have great importance to any state. "The main guidelines and goals adopted in Belarus in this area are energy independence, diversification of suppliers and types of energy resources, production and use of fuel and energy resources, reduction of the environmental load,” the head of the Belarusian energy ministry said .
"The commissioning of Belarusian nuclear power plant will provide about a third of the country's electricity needs, this will significantly reduce the consumption of hydrocarbon fuels and have a positive impact on reducing greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere,” Viktor Karankevich emphasized.
