Belarus and Russia have harmonized intergovernmental agreements on cooperation in the construction of the Belarusian nuclear power plant and the parallel operation of power systems. This was announced by the head of Rosatom Sergei Kiriyenko during a meeting with First Vice-Premier of Belarus Vladimir Semashko in Minsk on January 25.
«As Prime Ministers have agreed, we can sign two intergovernmental agreements to start,» Prime -Tass quotes Sergei Kiriyenko. The head of Rosatom, said that «these documents should be signed at the planned meeting of the Council of Ministers of the Union State.»
In turn, Vladimir Semashko said that «yesterday, last questions were withdrawn and a draft agreement on the parallel operation of power systems was initialed.» «The Belarusian side intends to prepare a presidential decree by the end of next week, which would entitle the Minister of Energy Alexander Ozerets to sign two agreements in the package — on the construction of nuclear power plant and the parallel operation of power systems,» said the first Vice-Premier of Belarus.
Vladimir Semashko also noted that «a power-sale joint venture is planned for creation in June 2011 in the framework of the intergovernmental agreement on the parallel operation of power systems.»
Minsk and Moscow Agreed on Cost Forming Method of Astravets NPP
During the meeting, Vladimir Semashko also said that the Belarusian and Russian sides had agreed on a cost forming method of the nuclear plant, while a package of intergovernmental agreements on cooperation in NPP building and the parallel operation of power systems would be signed by Minsk and Moscow in late February — early March 2011.
Building of First Power Plant Unit to be Completed in 2017, Kiriyenko
In addition, the general director of Rosatom said that construction of the first Belarusian nuclear power plant unit would be completed in 2017. «2016 was identified as originally planned period of construction of the first unit of the Belarusian nuclear power plant. Then we planned to start working in 2010, it is now 2011, so 2017 was decided on for the contract,» said Sergei Kiriyenko.
The head of Rosatom said contractors would start excavation work for foundation of nuclear power plants in September 2011. Kiriyenko also said that «the ground for the construction of nuclear power plant had been properly chosen.»
