14 Oct (NucNet): Belarus faces a challenge to regulate the safe operation of its first nuclear power plant and should complete work to ensure effective regulatory oversight of the facility when it starts operating later this decade, an International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) team of safety experts said.
The Integrated Regulatory Review Service (IRRS) team today concluded a 12-day mission to assess the regulatory framework for nuclear and radiation safety in Belarus, which the IAEA has called one of the most advanced nuclear “newcomer” countries.
“Belarus faces the challenge to regulate the safe operation of its first nuclear power plant. The authorities have identified this challenge,” said team leader Petteri Tiippana, director-general of Finland’s Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (Stuk).
“Numerous measures are under way to further strengthen the regulatory body’s capabilities. It is essential that the government continues to support these important activities.”
The team said in its preliminary findings that continued government backing and resources are needed to further build regulator Gosatomnadzor’s technical capabilities.
“The authorities should maintain efforts to update the regulatory framework for areas such as emergency preparedness and response,” the IAEA said.
Two Russian-designed, 1,200-MW power reactors are under construction at the Ostrovets site in northwestern Belarus.
The IAEA said the first unit is scheduled to become operational in 2018 and the second in 2020.
