Belarus and Uzbekistan have agreed to deepen cooperation in nuclear energy, Belarus’ Energy Minister Denis Moroz told journalists during a visit to the Belarusian Nuclear Power Plant, BelTA has learned.

According to the minister, Belarus and Uzbekistan have long-standing and warm relations based on a shared vision of the future. This is reflected in Uzbekistan’s decision to build its own nuclear power plant and join the group of countries developing nuclear energy. “Since 2008, Belarus has come a long way in this area, developing strong competencies in the construction and operation of a nuclear power plant,” Denis Moroz noted. Last year, the Belarusian Energy Ministry and the Uzatom agency signed a roadmap outlining cooperation and the exchange of experience. “Belarus is ready to openly share information about the path it has taken, including infrastructure development, personnel training, and the adoption of new technologies. Under this agreement, experts from both countries regularly exchange views, and now, together with a delegation of specialists from Uzbekistan led by the deputy prime minister, we are holding consultations in Belarus, studying the infrastructure for building a nuclear power plant, the personnel training system, and issues related to plant operation,” he said.

Denis Moroz emphasized that Belarus and Uzbekistan have agreed to deepen cooperation in this sector.

The Belarusian Nuclear Power Plant has a significant impact on the country’s energy system: it accounts for about 40% of total electricity consumption. Its cumulative output has exceeded 58 billion kWh, allowing Belarus to replace natural gas consumption and reduce the foreign-currency burden on the budget. “In November of last year, a decision was made to build a third power unit at the Belarusian NPP site, and negotiations are currently underway with Rosatom on preparing a framework general agreement describing the process of creating the new faciliity. The document is expected to be signed in the near future,” the minister said.

A delegation from Uzbekistan led by Deputy Prime Minister Achilbay Ramatov toured the Belarusian NPP to study Belarus’ experience. Belarusian Deputy Prime Minister Viktor Karankevich and Director General of the Belarusian NPP Sergei Bobovich also took part in the visit.