Belarus Plans Construction of New Nuclear Power Plant

Belarus plans to build a third unit at its existing nuclear power plant and is planning a second nuclear power plant. The Belarusian nuclear power plant has become a flagship project of the "Union State" and a symbol of cooperation between Belarus and Russia. However, the country does not intend to stop there. The President of Belarus has made an important decision: to build a third unit at the existing nuclear power plant, while studying the possibility of constructing a second nuclear power plant in the Mogilev region. Energy Minister Denis Moroz discussed the significance of this initiative, its timeline, and the direction of energy development over the next 15 years in the "Economic Environment" program.

In 2008, the President of Belarus made the strategic decision to build a nuclear power plant, at a time when other countries were shutting down their nuclear programs. Today, those countries that abandoned nuclear energy have fallen behind by more than a decade. Belarus, meanwhile, has moved to the forefront. "The economic multiplier effect from the nuclear power plant shows that we need to further develop this direction. The President has made an important decision: to build a third unit at the Belarusian nuclear power plant—a complete replica of the first two units—and simultaneously study the construction of a second nuclear power plant," said Denis Moroz.

If the third unit is implemented, the conditions are clear, the requirements are clear, and it is a replica of the existing units. The construction period is shorter. When it comes to the second nuclear power plant, this is a new project, a new site, and new procedures. This could be delayed until after 2040. But we need to make a construction decision immediately, because energy is an industry that responds to problems that may arise in the next 10-15 years, the Energy Minister explained.

A site in the Mogilev region is currently being considered. Although the site has not yet been finalized and is still under discussion, with appropriate procedures to follow, the direction has been set. The question is not 'whether it is needed or not,' but rather the configuration. What capacity? What parameters? Denis Moroz added.

The current configuration of Belarus's energy system is capable of supporting economic development at a pace exceeding that of 2040. However, to achieve the next stage of development, a new power generation structure will be required. Preparations for this must begin now.