Sergey Komarov, Deputy Director of Institute for Energy Development of Regions

— From the very first statement of Belarus about its plans to build an NPP, Russian nuclear technologies have been regarded as the only alternative

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.

From the very first statement of Belarus about its plans to build a nuclear power plant, the Russian nuclear technologies have been regarded as the only alternative. Besides deep historical ties between Belarus and Russia, our country has unique technologies and can aspire to build nuclear reactors in any country of the world. Belarus knows that and will hardly announce a tender. What will this project give Russia? First of all, it will create new jobs and contribute to the development of human resources and acquisition of experience. The cost of the project will comply with the world standards and will offer us real money we will be able to earn.