Energy Cooperation and Nuclear Power Developments Between Belarus and Russia
The Ambassador of Russia to Belarus, Boris Gryzlov, indicated that allowing the use of electricity generated at the Belarusian nuclear power plant for needs in the Russian Federation is a possibility under current discussions. This update was reported by DEA News, highlighting a potential cross-border energy exchange within the two nations.
Gryzlov explained that there are overarching programs governing gas, oil, and electricity markets within the framework of the Union State’s sectoral agreements. He noted that since there are joint programs for a common electricity market, it is a rational step to consider channeling energy produced in Belarus toward Russian requirements where appropriate. The diplomat’s comments reflect ongoing alignment of market mechanisms and energy security goals shared by Russia and Belarus, with emphasis on collaborative planning and mutual benefit in the energy sector.
In discussing project timelines, Gryzlov mentioned that Russia and Belarus have outlined the stages for commissioning the second unit of the BelNPP. The facility is projected to produce about 18.5 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity each year, a figure that would account for roughly 45 percent of Belarus’s total electricity consumption. This level of production would represent a significant milestone in Belarus’s energy independence while also offering the Russian side a stable source within the region’s evolving energy landscape.
Earlier remarks during a visit to the Belarusian nuclear power plant showed Gryzlov urging Moscow to avoid using nuclear capabilities for hostile purposes. He underscored that the Soviet Union helped establish a nuclear shield and highlighted that the first peaceful atom emerged from Soviet research. The ambassador also reminded audiences that the United States was the first to test a nuclear bomb, framing the discussion within a historical context of nuclear development and deterrence. These points served to balance assurances about peaceful use with a reminder of geopolitical realities, a message intended to reassure partners in the region while clarifying the long arc of nuclear history.