Bato-Zhargal Zhambalnimbuyev, member of Nuclear Energy Sub-Committee of the Federation Council

– Belarus does not need a tender to decide who will build its first nuclear power plant

During a meeting in Minsk on Jan 21 2009 representatives of the Government of Belarus and Rosatom State Nuclear Energy Corporation agreed to complete the drafting and to sign an inter-governmental agreement for peaceful use of nuclear energy in the first quarter of 2009. This agreement is expected to pave the way for direct negotiations on the contract for the turn-key construction of the first NPP in Belarus. First Vice Premier of Belarus Vladimir Semashko said that the Byelorussian authorities were inclined towards the project offered by Atomstroyexport CJSC. The parties have agreed to sign the document in 2009.

The selection of a Russian company as the constructor of the first Byelorussian NPP is a pragmatic decision as Russian nuclear technologies and equipment have already proved their efficiency and competitiveness. Besides, we offer an attractive price, which is very important under present conditions.

Russia and Belarus enjoy very close ties. We help them a lot, we have common economic space. So, I think that it would not be very logical if the Byelorussians organized a tender in search of western supplier. What they want is reliability, quality and price. That’s why it is quite clear why Belarus does not need a tender.

As far as I know, we have considered this project for a long time and it is really good that we have not lost our Byelorussian partner and that we have decided to sign a civilian nuclear agreement in the first quarter of 2009. Belarus is a sovereign state and naturally it is primarily concerned for own interests. Russia fully meets the interests of Belarus. And why exactly nuclear energy? Perhaps, because nuclear energy diversifies risks and offers cheap reliable sources of energy.