Physical Start-Up Of Reactor Of Belarusian NPP First Unit Scheduled For March 2019

By the end of 2019, it is scheduled to reach full capacity.

The physical start-up of the reactor of the first unit of the Belarusian Nuclear Power Plant is scheduled for March 2019, Deputy Minister of Energy Mikhail Mikhadziuk told the journalists in Astravets on Wednesday.

"In accordance with the terms and proceeding from the technology, the general contractor has drawn up a work schedule in which a number of key points and important events are identified. Everything necessary is being done, for example, to start nuclear fuel already this year - this means the loading of fuel into a nuclear reactor and the start of testing, " said M. Mikhadziuk.

His words were quoted by the state news agency BelTA.

"In the middle of next year, we must join the country's energy system," the deputy minister added. "In the future, by the end of the year, it is planned to reach full capacity," he specified.

Belarus is building a nuclear power plant near the town of Astravets in the Hrodna region under the Russian project VVER (PWR) -1200. It will consist of two units of 1200 MW each. The launch of the first power unit is scheduled for November 2019, the second - for 2020. Atomstroyexport (Rosatom's structure) is the prime contractor for the construction of nuclear power plants.