BelNPP helps Belarus address its key economic goals
OSTROVETS, 23 August (BelTA) — The Belarusian nuclear power plant (BelNPP) works for the country’s economy and brings a tangible effect, helping to solve its key tasks, BelTA learned from the Belarusian Energy Ministry.
The ministry named a number of advantages brought about by the operation of the nuclear power plant in the country.
First, once the BelNPP was commissioned, Belarus has completely refused electricity imports.
Second, the state managed to reduce its dependence on imported natural gas. Since the connection of the first power unit of the BelNPP to the unified power grid (on 3 November 2020), the plant has generated more than 34 billion kWh of electricity, which made it possible to replace more than 9 billion cubic meters of natural gas.
Third is an evident environmental effect. Thanks to the BelNPP operation, greenhouse gas emissions were reduced by more than 15 million tonnes.
Fourth, the nuclear plant meets the country’s growing demand for electricity. Incentive tariffs are in place both for energy-intensive industries and for citizens who use electricity for heating. In 2023, Belarus ranked third among the European countries in terms of cheap electricity.
Fifth, the plant has become a driver for the development of related sectors of the economy. A number of innovative projects are in the pipeline for industry, science, and medicine. The BelNPP large project promotes the wide implementation of modern technologies at production facilities and ensures the creation of new jobs.
Finally, the BelNPP construction largely contributed to the development of Ostrovets and Ostrovets District. Over the past 10 years, Ostrovets has turned into a beautifully landscaped town with all the necessary conditions for a comfortable life: new schools, kindergartens, a hospital, a fitness and health center and a cultural center. More than 50 residential buildings have been put into operation in the city of atomic workers — this is more than 200,000 square meters of housing.
Representatives of mass media and expert community of Kazakhstan are set to visit the Belarusian nuclear power plant during a press tour on 23 August. The participants of the press tour will be presented Belarus’ experience in the development of nuclear power infrastructure, approaches to ensure the safety of the BelNPP, best practices in personnel training and examples of cooperation with leading international organizations.
