The first Belarusian nuclear power station may be built by a consortium, Belarusian Energy Deputy Minister Mikhail Mikhadiuk told reporters on June 4.
He reminded that Belarus proposed three famous companies from the USA, France and Russia to take part in a tender. “We expect that within a month or a month and a half they will inform us about their consent to participate in the project,” the deputy minister said. “Even if two companies agree to take part in the implementation of the project, we will announce a tender,” he added. Mikhail Mikhadiuk also noted that there is an opportunity to build the nuclear power station by a consortium.
Mikhail Mikhadiuk noted that there are some problems related to the participation of foreign companies in the construction of the Belarusian nuclear power station. In particular, Belarus has some political problems with the USA. According to the US legislation, the two countries should sign an agreement on cooperation in the nuclear area. The participation of the French company in the construction of the nuclear power station also demands an approval of the French Government.
According to the deputy minister, four universities were charged to train specialists for the future nuclear power station. On the whole, around 2 thousand specialists are expected to work for the nuclear power station. Taking into consideration members of their families, personnel for social, trade, law-enforcement and other activities, the state should set up an infrastructure for 30 thousand people.