Main phase of Belarusian nuclear station construction begins

• 5.11.2013, 11:08

Belarus is getting down to the main phase of the Belarusian nuclear power plant construction.

Lukashenka signed relevant decree No. 499 on 2 November.

In accordance with article 4 of the law on using nuclear energy Lukashenka has to decide on building a nuclear power plant or a power-generating unit.

Belarus has already completed preparations required to begin the nuclear power plant construction, including within the framework of international commitments.

The infrastructure required to build the nuclear power plant has been created near the construction site. The design documents have been developed and approved by Council of Ministers resolution No. 457 of 30 September 2013. The customer — the Nuclear Power Plant Construction Directorate — has been licensed to perform activities involving the use of nuclear energy and ionizing radiation sources with regard to the construction of nuclear installations.

The decree allows the general contractor — the Russian company ZAO Atomstroyexport — to start building the Belarusian nuclear power plant.

For the sake of keeping the project on schedule, streamlining administrative procedures and reducing expenses financed by the state budget the decree enables land allocation in parallel with construction operations. Wood will be harvested and sold by the forestry enterprises responsible for this land plot.