Belarus may launch the construction of a nuclear power plant in January 2009, First Vice-Premier Vladimir Semashko told a joint session of the Energy Ministry of Belarus.
“The construction of the Belarusian nuclear power plant may be launched on January 1, 2009 or may be earlier,” he said. The cost of the construction may reach $5-6 billion. In 2009, the Government intends to allocate Br200 billion from the national budget to finance the construction works.
According to Vladimir Semashko, the first power unit is expected to be commissioned in 2016, the second one scheduled for launch in 2018.
As for the other important energy facilities which are to be constructed in Belarus, Vladimir Semashko noted a 600MW generating unit on the Zelva river and a new generating unit on the Berezina river. “There is a lot of work to do, especially it concerns power engineers. So, the Energy Ministry should use investment funds, renovate and construct new energy facilities more active,” the First Vice-Premier highlighted. At the same time, it is necessary to reduce the time of projects’ adjustment, Vladimir Semashko added.