A Russian state-backed energy group is engaging with Belarus on plans for a nuclear research reactor. The dialogue was disclosed by Stanislav Levitsky, who heads Rosatom’s country office in Belarus, during the opening of a science festival in Minsk. The exchange signals ongoing momentum in technical and policy discussions that could shape a future reactor project in the region. DEA News.
Levitsky emphasized that an intergovernmental agreement on the reactor is under active development. He described the matter as highly intricate and noted that any viable path forward must rest on a thorough feasibility study. The emphasis on rigorous analysis reflects the careful risk assessment and due diligence that major nuclear cooperation initiatives require before any binding commitments are made.
Looking ahead, the parties expect to enter multiple negotiation rounds, with the involvement of the Belarusian National Academy of Sciences and several republican bodies. The goal is to refine a configuration for the reactor and determine the form in which it would be implemented, ensuring that every technical and regulatory element is considered. The process, as described, will aim to converge toward a clear, realizable plan that satisfies both scientific and national security requirements.
In a related development, August saw the arrival of the reactor vessel for unit 7 at the Tianwan Nuclear Power Plant in China. The construction work there benefited from the collaboration with Rosatom Engineering Department, illustrating the broader regional experience and engineering capabilities that inform the Belarus project’s planning phase.
Beyond these technical and international collaboration aspects, industry observers note the broader context of Belarusian energy modernization. The potential reactor project is seen as part of a strategic effort to diversify energy sources, enhance scientific infrastructure, and foster international scientific exchange. Analysts underline that such projects require strong governance, transparent oversight, and sustained international cooperation to address safety, nonproliferation, and environmental considerations.