Belarus seeks extension for NPP loan term

Source: TUT.by
Source: TUT.by

Belarus has asked Russia for the 10 year (from 25 to 35 years) extension on the loan term for the construction of the nuclear power plant (NPP) in Astraviec. They also discussed the possibility of reducing the interest rate, the head of Belenergo Viktar Karankevich told reporters. He added that the proposals of the Belarusian side are being considered by the finance ministries of the two countries, Minsk-Novosti reports.

The Russian loan for the construction of a nuclear power plant in Belarus is $10 billion. It is assumed that this money will be enough to cover 90% of the NPP construction cost. The Belarusian side was going to cover 10% of the cost. The repayment will have to start the moment the NPP is commissioned. The first unit is be launched by the end of 2019, with the second one to be launched next year.

Russian Ambassador in Minsk Mikhail Babich said recently that in the current economic conditions Moscow does not see it necessary to revise the terms of the NPP construction loan.