“During the pilot operation, Unit 1’s security system is switched on, systems and equipment inspected. Background radiation around the power plant is normal,” the ministry said.
The facility near Estravajek in the north of the country was inaugurated by President Alexander Lukashenko last November, then had to close shortly thereafter, and finally restarted after about two weeks. According to the ministry, the power plant is operating at 40 percent of its rated capacity.
Belarus has chosen the Russian 3+ generation block type for its first nuclear power plant, built by the Russian company Roszatom. Its two VVER-1200 units have a total capacity of 2,400 MW. Russia has lent € 10 billion for investment.
Neighboring Lithuania, whose capital power plant is only 50 kilometers away, opposed the construction of a nuclear power plant. The Baltic state does not consider the Belarusian power plant to be safe at all.
President Lukashenko previously said that they were considering building a second nuclear power plant and suggested that the additional energy should be used for bitcoin mining.
Cover Image: Getty Image
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