MOSCOW, 26 September (BelTA) – There is a possibility of building a new nuclear power plant in eastern Belarus that will supply electricity the new Russian regions, if needed, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said as he met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the Kremlin on 26 September, BelTA learned.

“Yesterday I already mentioned that we would discuss this today, namely the project for the expansion or construction of a new nuclear power plant. Perhaps the location might be eastern Belarus, with the aim of supplying electricity, if necessary, to the regions liberated by Russia: Kherson, Zapororozhye, Lugansk, Donetsk. If there is a specific need for this, in connection with the Zapororozhye plant,” Aleksandr Lukashenko noted.

“Rosatom has already worked out options for the further expansion of our nuclear energy program. I do not wish to speak publicly about finances. We have options, and I will inform you about them. If a decision is made, we will immediately start building either a new energy unit or a new plant, should there be a need in western Russia and the liberated regions,” the head of state said.

“The issue of financing is not a problem at all. If there are consumer who will use the electricity and pay the tariffs, it’s not a problem in the slightest,” Vladimir Putin responded.

“That’s true. That is the most important thing,” the Belarusian leader concurred. 

Speaking about his participation in the Global Atomic Forum the day before, Aleksandr Lukashenko noted that during the Soviet era, much was done together to develop the nuclear industry. “But even today, we haven’t gone our separate ways. And with your help, we have built a nuclear power plant. Moreover, you kept your promise and taught us how to build nuclear power plants. Today, we are participating in Rosatom’s projects in other countries,” the head of state noted. “The only area we haven’t ventured into (but we are ready to consider these matters if necessary) is manufacturing the reactor vessel, core, or other necessary components and parts. There is no such need at the moment. Rosatom handles this at its Russian plants. However, our construction teams are excellent; the Russians are very pleased with our builders, and a significant number of them work there.”

The president emphasized that the competencies developed jointly will be used for the benefit of Belarus and Russia. 

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