“Nuclear lobby” seriously overestimates energy needs of Belarus

There is no economic viability for the construction of a nuclear power plant in Belarus. The country is capable of generating the necessary amount of electricity based on already-existing facilities. However the “nuclear lobby” justifies the NPP construction by the lack of generating capacity and growing electricity consumption.

Electricity production in Belarus in January-November 2011 decreased by 7.3% compared with identical period of 2010 and amounted to 29 billion kWh/h. At the same time in November, 2.7 billion kWh/hours have been generated, which is 9/1% less than in November 2010.

During the summer period it is economically profitable for Belarus to import electricity (since more than half of the generating capacities are effective only when operating in combined cycle, producing heat and electricity). The economic crisis and the recession will reduce the energy consumption inside the country. Consequently, the capacities of the NPP will be used solely for export.

However, the efficiency of the nuclear power (bearing in mind the cost of credit, recycling and disposal of used fuel), as well as the demand for it from potential customers in the Baltic countries, are questionable.

However, the efficiency of the nuclear power (bearing in mind the cost of credit, recycling and disposal of used fuel), as well as the demand for it from potential customers in the Baltic countries, are questionable. Moreover, Belarus could use the funds to be allocated for the construction of the nuclear power plant on significant improvement of the existing generating capacity by developing “green” energy from renewable sources (wind energy, biogas, etc.).