He noted that electricity consumption is growing both by the real sector of the economy and by the population. In 2021, this indicator increased by 2.3 billion kWh compared to the previous year: from 38 billion kWh to 40.3 billion kWh.
“The government has identified the potential for growth in electricity consumption by the real sector of the economy, approved an intersectoral set of measures to increase electricity consumption, including through the implementation of investment projects in various sectors of the economy. It is planned that its implementation will ensure an increase in electricity consumption in the amount of 2.7 billion kWh by 2026,” the Minister said.
Viktor Karankevich also added that the annual volume of electricity production by the plant will be about 18.5 billion kWh after the commissioning of two power units of the BelNPP. This is a significant contribution to strengthening the energy security of the country. “We will get a reliable, economical and environmentally friendly source of energy with a service life of up to 100 years, taking into account the practice of extending the life of reactor sets equipment,” he said.
According to the forecasts of international research centers, nuclear energy is on the threshold of a new stage in its development: the demand for peaceful atom has increased significantly against the backdrop of the global energy crisis.
“Global energy has faced serious imbalances. This has forced the world's leading states to reconsider their energy policy, change their priorities, including towards the development of nuclear energy,” Viktor Karankevich stated.
The full text of the interview is in the latest issue of the Economy of Belarus magazine.
