SUBSCRIBE
PROFILE

Belarus nuclear power plant: Unit 2 to be commissioned soon

The second reactor of the Belarusian nuclear power plant is about to be connected to the grid, according to the country's energy minister, who also stressed the importance of safety and operational reliability of the plant.

Share:

Comprehensive energy news coverage, updated nonstop

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access • Archives included • Professional invoice

SUBSCRIBE - 99$/year

OTHER ACCESS OPTIONS

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

FREE ACCOUNT

3 articles offered per month

FREE

*Prices are excluding VAT, which may vary depending on your location or professional status

Since 2021: 35,000 articles • 150+ analyses per week

Belarusian Energy Minister Viktor Karankevich announced that the second reactor at the Astravets nuclear power plant will be connected to the power grid in April, with a 40% increase in power. Work will continue sequentially from April to September to bring the nuclear power plant up to its rated capacity, with testing in a pilot operation. The entire nuclear power plant is scheduled to be commissioned in October 2023, in accordance with the commissioning schedules.

A joint project between Belarus and Russia

The Astravets nuclear power plant is the largest joint project between Belarus and Russia, and the first reactor has generated more than 12.5 billion kWh since its commissioning in November 2020. It has saved over $400 million by replacing over 3 billion cubic meters of gas. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko stressed the importance of safety and operational reliability of the nuclear power plant, saying that safety is a top priority in Belarus since the Chernobyl disaster. He also said that the Astravets nuclear power plant will have an annual economic impact of about $550 million on the country.

An ambitious project requiring a high level of security

The second reactor is currently at 98% capacity and preparatory work is underway to “start a chain reaction and bring the nuclear power plant to the minimum controllable power level” of 1% of the reactor’s power. However, President Lukashenko warned against compromising the quality of construction to meet a deadline, stressing that it was better to delay commissioning by six months or a year than to take unnecessary risks.

The Astravets nuclear power plant is equipped with two Russian VVER-1200 reactors. Once the two units are commissioned, the nuclear plant will produce about 18.5 TWh of electricity per year, equivalent to 4.5 billion cubic meters of natural gas, with an annual economic impact of about $550 million for the country.

Belarus, currently dependent on natural gas imports, has invested in nuclear power to diversify its energy supply and reduce its dependence on gas imports. Despite the complexity of the project, Belarus and Russia have emphasized the importance of safety and compliance with construction standards to ensure the safety of the nuclear power plant and its workers.

  • Popular on energynews.pro
Excelerate Energy to build Iraq’s first floating LNG terminal in $450 mn deal
Cameco and Brookfield sign $80bn nuclear partnership with Washington
Talen Energy completes $2.69bn bond financing for two gas-fired power plants
Houston American Energy begins construction of alternative fuels complex in Texas
Cypress Creek secures $190mn financing for hybrid solar project in Colorado
NANO Nuclear launches True North Nuclear to strengthen its investments in Canada
NANO Nuclear restructures its Canadian operations under the name True North Nuclear to accelerate regulatory and industrial development of its KRONOS MMR™ microreactor.
Kazakhstan begins negotiations to export uranium to Finland
Talks are underway between Astana and Helsinki to consider the delivery of Kazakh uranium for Finnish nuclear power plants, amid efforts to diversify energy export markets.
Google signs 25-year deal to restart Duane Arnold nuclear power plant
NextEra Energy announces an agreement with Google to restart a nuclear plant in Iowa, with operations expected to resume as early as 2029 and full site ownership secured.
US nuclear regulator recommends construction permit for Kemmerer Unit 1
The environmental review of TerraPower’s Natrium project in Wyoming has been completed, paving the way for a construction permit for this advanced nuclear reactor.
Brookfield secures exclusive deal to revive two nuclear reactors in the United States
Santee Cooper has selected Brookfield Asset Management to lead a feasibility study aimed at completing two unfinished AP1000 reactors, without relying on public funds or raising consumer rates.
Almaraz operators request extension beyond 2028
Endesa, Iberdrola and Naturgy have officially requested the Spanish government to delay the closure of the Almaraz nuclear power plant, originally scheduled for 2028, reigniting the debate on nuclear power's role in the national energy mix.
First El Dabaa nuclear reactor receives 330-tonne pressure vessel
The reactor vessel for Unit 1 at Egypt’s El Dabaa nuclear plant has been delivered following a 20-day maritime transport from Saint Petersburg, marking a critical milestone in the country’s energy project.
Canada invests $2.1bn in Ontario Power Generation’s modular reactor project
Ontario Power Generation secures CAD3bn ($2.1bn) in public equity financing to construct four modular reactors at Darlington, aiming to ease private sector entry into next-generation nuclear infrastructure.
Newcleo awards $81mn contract to NEXT-N for advanced modular reactors
French developer Newcleo launches a joint venture with Nextchem through a EUR70 mn contract to design the conventional island of its upcoming 200 MW modular nuclear reactors.
NANO Nuclear acquires Global First Power and expands microreactor presence
NANO Nuclear strengthens its North American strategy by acquiring Global First Power in Canada, securing regulatory rights for its KRONOS MMR™ project at Chalk River.
South Korea submits first nuclear safeguards report for SMR
South Korea becomes the first country to submit a safeguards technical report to the IAEA for a small modular reactor, setting a precedent for early integration of non-proliferation requirements in nuclear design.
EDF faces environmental gaps on EPR2 project in Penly
The Environmental Authority criticises the lack of key data on health risks, chemical discharges and construction safety for EDF's two upcoming EPR2 reactors in Seine-Maritime.
Brazil and China sign agreement on radioisotope supply
Brazil and China have concluded a three-year agreement to secure access to essential radioisotopes for the medical, industrial and scientific sectors, with no financial exchange between the parties.
Last Energy to install pilot microreactor at Texas A&M campus
US-based developer Last Energy will deploy its first domestic microreactor at Texas A&M-RELLIS, marking a strategic step in the advanced modular reactor race.
PGE takes full control of Poland’s second nuclear power plant project
PGE acquires ZE PAK's stake in the joint venture responsible for developing Poland’s second nuclear site, consolidating a strategic asset within its energy portfolio.
Amazon and X-energy advance nuclear project with 12 small reactors
Amazon unveils new visuals of its upcoming nuclear site, marking a key step in its partnership with X-energy to deploy up to 960 MW of modular nuclear capacity in Washington state.
NexGen raises A$1bn to finance its Rook I uranium project in Canada
Canadian uranium producer NexGen Energy has completed a A$1bn ($639mn) equity raise split between North American and Australian markets to support the development of its Rook I project.
Tepco considers shutting down Kashiwazaki-Kariwa’s two oldest reactors
Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings is examining the permanent closure of units 1 and 2 at the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant, the oldest at the site, while continuing efforts to restart unit 6.
End of JCPOA reignites uncertainty over Iran’s nuclear programme
The formal expiration of the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran comes as international sanctions have already been reinstated and diplomatic negotiations remain stalled.
Oklo and newcleo announce $2bn nuclear partnership to strengthen US fuel supply
Oklo, newcleo and Blykalla partner to develop advanced nuclear fuel infrastructure in the United States, backed by a planned $2bn investment.

All the latest energy news, all the time

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access - Archives included - Pro invoice

START - 99$/year

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

*Prices shown are exclusive of VAT, which may vary according to your location or professional status.

Since 2021: 30,000 articles - +150 analyses/week.