Belarus nuclear power plant has two VVER-1200 units
The Ostrovets facility, Belarus’s first nuclear power plant, consists of two VVER-1200 reactors. Construction began with unit 1 in November 2013, followed by unit 2 in May 2014, under a 2011 general contract. Unit 1 was connected to the grid in November 2020, and unit 2 entered commercial operation on November 1, 2023. The plant generates approximately 18.5 TWh of electricity annually, equivalent to 4.5 billion cubic meters of natural gas, contributing an estimated USD550 million to the economy each year.
Currently, the plant undergoes annual shutdowns for fuel reloading and maintenance. Extending the fuel cycle would reduce these interruptions, increasing output and operational efficiency. TVEL, a division of Russia’s Rosatom, is exploring this possibility through ongoing pilot programs. During a recent meeting in Minsk, TVEL’s President Natalia Nikipelova stated: “We confirmed our readiness to offer Belarusian partners new developments in nuclear fuel and fuel cycle options (18-24 months) to improve the efficiency of the Belarusian NPP.” The Belarusian delegation was led by Deputy Prime Minister Viktor Karankevich.
The discussions also addressed plans for a national nuclear waste disposal facility, focusing on site evaluations and 2025 priorities, including architectural designs and long-term safety assessments. Additionally, Belarus is conducting a feasibility study in 2024 to explore options for constructing a second nuclear power plant or adding a third unit at Ostrovets.
