Mikhail Kisel noted that radioactive waste is generated not only in the nuclear power sector but also in healthcare, industry, and research. Currently, the centralized collection for long-term storage is handled by the specialized enterprise Ekores. Under the national radioactive waste management strategy through 2050, this existing storage facility must be decommissioned, and a new radioactive waste disposal facility must be built by 2030. BelRAO’s primary objective is to ensure the construction, commissioning, and operation of this facility.

«The creation of a centralized radioactive waste disposal facility will ensure the safe and cost-effective management of radioactive waste,» Mikhail Kisel said, emphasizing that the enterprise’s employees hold specialized engineering degrees and have undergone the necessary training. Professional development is carried out on a continuous basis. The construction personnel are certified by the relevant bodies of the Ministry of Architecture and Construction.

The meeting was attended by 95 people, who were able to ask questions and share their comments with the experts. Residents raised various aspects of the project, including the radiological and environmental safety of the future facility, the reliability of its safety barriers, and how local public opinion would be taken into account. Experts and specialists from BelRAO and scientific organizations provided detailed clarifications on all topics.

Mikhail Kisel pointed out that the state commission will make the final decision on the facility’s location later. When selecting a site for the repository, it is essential to study all natural characteristics and phenomena that could affect safety. «Spent nuclear fuel from the Belarusian nuclear power plant will not be stored at this disposal facility. An agreement has been signed between the governments of Belarus and the Russian Federation to export it to Russia for reprocessing,» Mikhail Kisel added.

As previously reported, three alternative sites are being considered for the radioactive waste disposal facility: Khoiniki District (Gomel Oblast), Ostrovets District (Grodno Oblast), and Mstislavl District (Mogilev Oblast).