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Belarus Nuclear Power Infrastructure Review evaluates IAEA INIR Phase 3 readiness at Ostrovets NPP, VVER-1200 reactors, legal and regulatory framework, commissioning, safety, emergency preparedness, and energy diversification in a low-carbon program.

Key Points

An IAEA INIR Phase 3 assessment of Belarus readiness to commission and operate the Ostrovets NPP with VVER-1200 units.

✅ Reviews legal, regulatory, and institutional arrangements

✅ Confirms Phase 3 readiness for safe commissioning and operation

✅ Highlights good practices in peer reviews and emergency planning

An International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) team of experts today concluded a 12-day mission to Belarus to review its infrastructure development for a nuclear power programme. The Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review (INIR) was carried out at the invitation of the Government of Belarus.

Belarus, seeking to diversify its energy production with a reliable low-carbon source, and aware of the benefits of energy storage for grid flexibility, is building its first nuclear power plant (NPP) at the Ostrovets site, about 130 km north-west of the capital Minsk. The country has engaged with the Russian Federation to construct and commission two VVER-1200 pressurised water reactors at this site and expects the first unit to be connected to the grid this year.

The INIR mission reviewed the status of nuclear infrastructure development using the Phase 3 conditions of the IAEA’s Milestones Approach. The Ministry of Energy of Belarus hosted the mission.

The INIR team said Belarus is close to completing the required nuclear power infrastructure for starting the operation of its first NPP. The team made recommendations and suggestions aimed at assisting Belarus in making further progress in its readiness to commission and operate it, including planning for integration with variable renewables, as advances in new wind turbines are being deployed elsewhere to strengthen the overall energy mix.

“This mission marks an important step for Belarus in its preparations for the introduction of nuclear power,” said team leader Milko Kovachev, Head of the IAEA’s Nuclear Infrastructure Development Section. “We met well-prepared, motivated and competent professionals ready to openly discuss all infrastructure issues. The team saw a clear drive to meet the objectives of the programme and deliver benefits to the Belarusian people, such as supporting the country’s economic development, including growth in EV battery manufacturing sectors.”

The team comprised one expert from Algeria and two experts from the United Kingdom, as well as seven IAEA staff. It reviewed the status of 19 nuclear infrastructure issues using the IAEA evaluation methodology for Phase 3 of the Milestones Approach, noting that regional integration via an electricity highway can shape planning assumptions as well. It was the second INIR mission to Belarus, who hosted a mission covering Phases 1 and 2 in 2012.

Prior to the latest mission, Belarus prepared a Self-Evaluation Report covering all infrastructure issues and submitted the report and supporting documents to the IAEA.

The team highlighted areas where further actions would benefit Belarus, including the need to improve institutional arrangements and the legal and regulatory framework, drawing on international examples of streamlined licensing for advanced reactors to ensure a stable and predictable environment for the programme; and to finalize the remaining arrangements needed for sustainable operation of the nuclear power plant.

The team also identified good practices that would benefit other countries developing nuclear power in the areas of programme and project coordination, the use of independent peer reviews, cooperation with regulators from other countries, engagement with international stakeholders and emergency preparedness, and awareness of regional initiatives such as new electricity interconnectors that can enhance system resilience.

Mikhail Chudakov, IAEA Deputy Director General and Head of the Department of Nuclear Energy attended the Mission’s closing meeting. “Developing the infrastructure required for a nuclear power programme requires significant financial and human resources, and long lead times for preparation and the approval of major transmission projects that support clean power flows, and the construction activities,” he said. “Belarus has made commendable progress since the decision to launch a nuclear power programme 10 years ago.”

“Hosting the INIR mission, Belarus demonstrated its transparency and genuine interest to receive an objective professional assessment of the readiness of its nuclear power infrastructure for the commissioning of the country’s first nuclear power plant,” said Mikhail Mikhadyuk, Deputy Minister of Energy of the Republic of Belarus. ”The recommendations and suggestions we received will be an important guidance for our continuous efforts aimed at ensuring the highest level of safety and reliability of the Belarusian NPP."
 

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Germany's Joint Onshore Wind and Solar Tender invites 200 MW bids in an EEG auction, with PV and onshore wind competing on price per MWh, including grid integration costs and network fees under BNA rules.

Key Points

A BNA-run 200 MW EEG auction where PV and onshore wind compete on price per MWh, including grid integration costs.

✅ 200 MW cap; minimum project size 750 kW

✅ Max subsidy 87.50 per MWh; bids include network costs

✅ Solar capped at 10-20 MW; wind requires prior approval

Germany's Federal Network Agency (BNA) has launched its second joint onshore wind and solar photovoltaic (PV) tender, with a total capacity of 200 MW.

A maximum guaranteed subsidy payment has been set at 87.50 per MWh for both energy sources, which BNA says will have to compete against each other for the lowest price of electricity. According to auction rules, all projects must have a minimum of 750 kW.

The auction is due to be completed on 2 November.

The network regulator has capped solar projects at 10 MW, though this has been extended to 20 MW in some districts, amid calls to remove barriers to PV at the federal level. Onshore wind projects did not receive any such restrictions, though they require approval from Federal Immission Control three weeks prior to the bid date of 11 Octobe

Bids also require network and system integration costs to be included, and similar solicitations have been heavily subscribed, as an over-subscribed Duke Energy solar solicitation in the US market illustrates.

According to Germanys Renewable Energy Act (EEG), two joint onshore wind and solar auctions must take place each year between 2018 and 2021. After this, the government will review the scheme and decide whether to continue it beyond 2021.

The first tender, conducted in April, saw the entire 200 MW capacity given to solar PV projects, reflecting a broader solar power boost in Germany during the energy crisis. Of the 32 contracts awarded, value varied from 39.60 per MWh to 57.60 per MWh. Among the winning bids were five projects in agricultural and grassland sites in Bavaria, totalling 31 MW, and three in Baden-Wrttemberg at 17 MW.

According to the Agency, the joint tender scheme was initiated in an attempt to determine the financial support requirements for wind and solar in technology-specific auctions, however, solar powers sole win in the April auction meant it was met with criticism, even as clean energy accounts for 50% of Germany's electricity today.

The heads of the Federal Solar Industry Association (BSW-Solar) and German Wind Energy Association (BWE) saying the joint tender scheme is unsuitable for the build-out of the two technologies.

A BWE spokesman previously stressed the companys rejection of competition between wind and solar, saying: It is not clear how this could contribute to an economically meaningful balanced energy mix,

Technologies that are in various stages of development must not enter into direct competition with each other. Otherwise, innovation and development potential will be compromised.

Similarly, BSW-Solar president Carsten Krnig said: We are happy for the many solar winners, but consider the experiment a failure. The auction results prove the excellent price-performance ratio of new solar power plants, as solar-plus-storage is cheaper than conventional power in Germany, but not the suitability of joint tenders.

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Iran Bushehr Earthquake rattles southern province near the Bushehr nuclear power plant, USGS reports M5.1 at 38 km depth; seismic activity along major fault lines raises safety, damage, and monitoring concerns.

Key Points

A magnitude 5.1 quake near Bushehr nuclear plant at 38 km depth, with no damage reported, per USGS.

✅ USGS lists magnitude 5.1 at 38 km depth

✅ Near Bushehr nuclear power plant; built for stronger quakes

✅ Iran lies on major fault lines; quake risk is frequent

A magnitude 5 earthquake struck southern Iran early Friday near the Islamic Republic's only nuclear power plant. There were no immediate reports of damage or injuries as Iran continues combined-cycle conversions across its power sector.

The quake hit Iran's Bushehr province at 5:23 a.m., according to the U.S. Geological Survey. It put the magnitude at 5.1 and the depth of the earthquake at 38 kilometres (24 miles), in a province tied to efforts to transmit electricity to Europe in coming years.

Iranian state media did not immediately report on the quake. However, the Bushehr nuclear power plant was designed to withstand much stronger earthquakes, a notable consideration as Iraq plans nuclear power plants to address shortages.

A magnitude 5 earthquake can cause considerable damage, including power disruptions that have seen blackouts spark protests in some Iranian cities.

Iran sits on major fault lines and is prone to near-daily earthquakes, yet it remains a key player in regional power, with Iran-Iraq energy cooperation ongoing. In 2003, a 6.6-magnitude quake flattened the historic city of Bam, killing 26,000 people, and today Iran supplies 40% of Iraq's electricity through cross-border power deals. Bam is near the Bushehr nuclear plant, which wasn’t damaged at that time, while more recently Iran finalized deals to rehabilitate Iraq's power grid to improve resilience.

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EasyPower Webinars deliver expert training on electrical power systems, covering arc flash, harmonics, grounding, overcurrent coordination, NEC and IEEE 1584 updates, with on-demand videos and email certificates for continuing education credits.

Key Points

EasyPower Webinars are expert-led power systems trainings with CE credit details and on-demand access.

✅ Arc flash, harmonics, and grounding fundamentals with live demos

✅ NEC 2020 and IEEE 1584 updates for compliance and safety

✅ CE credits with post-webinar email documentation

We've ramped up webinars to help your learning while you might be working from home, and similar live online fire alarm training options are widely available. As usual, you will receive an email the day after the webinar which will include the details most states need for you to earn continuing education credit, amid a broader grid warning during the pandemic from regulators.

EasyPower's well known webinar series covers a variety of topics regarding electrical power systems. Below you will see our webinars scheduled through the next few months, reflecting ongoing sector investments in the future of work across the electricity industry.

In addition, there are more than 150 videos that were recorded from past webinars in our EasyPower Video Library. The topics of these videos include arc flash training, short circuit, protective device coordination, power flow, harmonics, DC systems, grounding, and many others.

AUGUST WEBINARS

Active & Passive Harmonic Filters in EasyPower

By Tao Yang, Ph.D, PE, at EasyPower

In this webinar, Tao Yang, Ph.D, PE, from EasyPower provides a refresher course on fundamental concepts of harmonics study and the EasyPower Harmonics module. He describes the two major harmonics filters, both active and passive, and their implementation in the EasyPower Harmonics module. As passive filters are widely used in the industry, he covers four kinds of typical passive filters: notch, first order, second order, and C-type filters, including their implementation in EasyPower and their tuning processes. He uses live examples to demonstrate the modeling and parameter tuning for both active and passive filters using simple EasyPower cases.

Date: Thursday, August 13, 2020
Time: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Pacific
Register: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1359680676441129997

Cracking the Code for Arc-Flash Mitigation

By Mark Pollock at Littelfuse

The National Electrical Code (NEC) outlines several arc-flash mitigation options, aligning with broader arc flash training insights across the industry. This presentation, given by Mark Pollock at Littelfuse, reviews the arc-flash mitigation options from the NEC 2020, and some updates to the IEEE 1584-2018 standard. In addition to understanding the codes, we’ll discuss the return on investment for the various mitigation options and the importance of arc-flash assessments in your facility. 

Date: Thursday, August 20, 2020
Time: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Pacific
Register: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/107117029724512527

Ground Fault Coordination in EasyPower

By Jim Chastain, Support Engineer at EasyPower

The PowerProtector™ module in EasyPower simplifies the process of coordinating protective devices. In this refresher webinar, Jim Chastain demonstrates the procedure to coordinate ground fault protection for both resistance-grounded and hard-grounded systems.

Date: Tuesday, August 25, 2020
Time: 8:00 AM - 8:30 AM Pacific
Register: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/561389055546364429

SEPTEMBER WEBINARS

Overcurrent Coordination and Protection Basics

By James Onsager and Namrata Asarpota at S&C Electric

Coordination of overcurrent protective devices is necessary to limit interruptions to the smallest portion of the power system in the event of an overload or short-circuit. This webinar, given by James Onsager and Namrata Asarpota at S&C Electric, goes over the basics of Time Current Curves (TCCs), types of overcurrent protective devices (for both low-voltage and medium-voltage systems), and how to coordinate between them. Protection of common types of equipment such as transformers, cables and motors according the National Electrical Code (NFPA 70, NEC) is also discussed, alongside related fire alarm training online resources available to practitioners. 

Date: Thursday, September 3, 2020
Time: 10:00 AM -11:00 AM Pacific
Register: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/6345420550218629133

Static Discharge Awareness and Explosion Protection

By Christopher Coughlan at Newson Gale, a Hoerbiger Safety Solutions Company

For any person responsible for the safety of employees, colleagues, plant equipment and plant property, one of the most potentially confusing aspects of providing a safe operating environment is understanding and safeguarding again static discharge, with industry leadership in worker safety highlighting best practices. In this webinar given by Christopher Coughlan at Newson Gale, a Hoerbiger Safety Solutions Company, he discusses how to determine if your site’s manufacturing or handling processes have the potential to discharge static sparks into flammable or combustible atmospheres. 

Date: Thursday, September 17, 2020
Time: 10:00 AM -11:00 AM Pacific
Register: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/7225333317600833296

XGSLab New Feature - Seasonal Analysis For Grounding Systems

By David Lewis, P.E, Electrical Engineer, Grounding and Power Systems at EasyPower

In regions where the frost depth meets or exceeds the depth of a grounding system, the grounding system’s performance may be dramatically reduced, possibly creating hazardous conditions. The latest XGSLab release 9.5 provides a powerful new tool to analyze grounding system performance that considers the seasonal variation in soil characteristics. In this webinar, given by David Lewis, an electrical engineer at EasyPower, we describe the effect that seasonal variation can have on a grounding system and we step you through the use of the Seasonal Analysis tool. 

Date: Tuesday, September 25, 2020
Time: 8:00 AM -8:30 AM Pacific
Register: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/6805488101896212751

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Second-Largest UK Grid Operator advancing electricity networks modernization, smart grid deployment, renewable integration, and resilient distribution, leveraging acquisitions, data analytics, and infrastructure upgrades to boost reliability, efficiency, and service quality across regions and energy sector.

Key Points

A growing electricity networks operator advancing smart grids, renewable integration, and reliability.

✅ Expanded via acquisitions and regional growth

✅ Investing in smart grid, data analytics, automation

✅ Enhancing reliability, resilience, renewable integration

In a significant shift within the UK’s energy sector, a major company has recently ascended to become the second-largest electricity networks operator in the country. This milestone marks a pivotal moment in the industry, reflecting ongoing changes and competitive dynamics in the energy landscape, such as the shift toward an independent system operator in Great Britain. The company's ascent underscores its growing influence and its role in shaping the future of energy distribution across the UK.

The company, whose identity is a result of strategic acquisitions and operational expansions, now holds a substantial position within the electricity networks sector. This new ranking is the result of a series of investments and strategic moves aimed at strengthening its network capabilities and, amid efforts to fast-track grid connections across the UK, expanding its geographical reach. By achieving this status, the company is set to play a crucial role in managing and maintaining the electricity infrastructure that serves millions of households and businesses across the UK.

The rise to the second-largest position follows a period of significant growth and transformation for the company. Recent acquisitions have enabled it to enhance its network infrastructure, integrate advanced technologies, adopting a more digital grid approach, and improve service delivery. These developments come at a time when the UK is undergoing a significant transition in its energy sector, driven by the need for modernization, sustainability, and resilience in response to evolving energy demands.

One of the key factors contributing to the company's new status is its focus on upgrading and expanding its electricity networks. Investments in modernizing infrastructure, such as the commissioning of a 2GW substation to boost capacity, incorporating smart grid technologies, and enhancing operational efficiencies have been central to its strategy. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and data analytics, the company is able to optimize network performance, reduce outages, and improve overall reliability.

The company’s expansion into new regions has also played a crucial role in its growth. By extending its network coverage, including assets like the London electricity tunnel that enhance supply routes, the company has been able to provide electricity to a larger customer base, increasing its market share and influence in the sector. This expansion not only enhances its position as a major player in the industry but also supports the broader goal of ensuring reliable and efficient electricity distribution across the UK.

The shift to becoming the second-largest operator also reflects broader trends in the UK energy sector. The industry is experiencing a period of consolidation and transformation, driven by regulatory changes, technological advancements, and the push towards decarbonization, with similar momentum seen in British Columbia's clean energy shift that underscores global trends. The company’s ascent is indicative of these broader dynamics, as firms adapt to new challenges and opportunities in a rapidly evolving market.

In addition to operational and strategic advancements, the company’s rise is aligned with the UK’s broader energy goals. The government has set ambitious targets for reducing carbon emissions and increasing the use of renewable energy sources. As a major electricity networks operator, the company is positioned to support these goals by integrating renewable energy into the grid, including projects like the Scotland-to-England subsea link that carry remote generation, enhancing energy efficiency, and contributing to the transition towards a low-carbon energy system.

The company’s new status also brings with it a range of responsibilities and opportunities. As one of the largest operators in the sector, it will have a significant role in shaping the future of electricity distribution in the UK. This includes addressing challenges such as grid reliability, energy security, and the integration of emerging technologies. The company’s ability to manage these responsibilities effectively will be crucial in ensuring that it continues to deliver value to customers and stakeholders.

The transition to becoming the second-largest operator is not without its challenges. The company will need to navigate a complex regulatory environment, manage stakeholder expectations, and address any operational issues that may arise from its expanded network. Additionally, the competitive nature of the energy sector means that the company will need to continuously innovate and adapt to maintain its position and drive further growth.

In summary, the company’s achievement of becoming the second-largest electricity networks operator in the UK represents a significant milestone in the energy sector. Through strategic acquisitions, infrastructure investments, and operational enhancements, the company has strengthened its position and expanded its reach. This development highlights the evolving landscape of the UK energy sector and underscores the importance of modernization and innovation in meeting the country’s energy needs. As the company moves forward, it will play a key role in shaping the future of electricity distribution and supporting the UK’s energy transition goals.

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Great Northern Transmission Line delivers 250 MW of carbon-free hydropower from Manitoba Hydro, strengthening Midwest grid reliability, enabling wind storage balancing, and advancing Minnesota Power's EnergyForward strategy for cleaner, renewable energy across the region.

Key Points

A 500 kV cross-border line delivering 250 MW of carbon-free hydropower, strengthening reliability and enabling renewables.

✅ 500 kV, 224-mile line from Manitoba to Minnesota

✅ Delivers 250 MW hydropower via ALLETE-Minnesota Power

✅ Enables wind storage and grid balancing with Manitoba Hydro

Minnesota Power, a utility division of ALLETE Inc. (NYSE:ALE), has energized its Great Northern Transmission Line, bringing online an innovative delivery and storage system for renewable energy that spans two states and one Canadian province, similar to the Maritime Link project in Atlantic Canada.

The 500 kV line is now delivering 250 megawatts of carbon-free hydropower from Manitoba, Canada, to Minnesota Power customers.

Minnesota Power completed the Great Northern Transmission Line (GNTL) in February 2020, ahead of schedule and under budget. The 224-mile line runs from the Canadian border in Roseau County to a substation near Grand Rapids, Minnesota. It consists of 800 tower structures which were fabricated in the United States and used 10,000 tons of North American steel. About 2,200 miles of wire were required to install the line's conductors. The GNTL also is contributing significant property tax revenue to local communities along the route.

"This is such an incredible achievement for Minnesota Power, ALLETE, and our region, and is the culmination of a decade-long vision brought to life by our talented and dedicated employees," said ALLETE President and CEO Bethany Owen. "The GNTL will help Minnesota Power to provide our customers with 50 percent renewable energy less than a year from now. As part of our EnergyForward strategy, it also strengthens the grid across the Midwest and in Canada, enhancing reliability for all of our customers."

With the GNTL energized and connected to Manitoba Hydro's recently completed Manitoba-Minnesota Transmission Project at the border, the companies now have a unique "wind storage" mechanism that quickly balances energy supply and demand in Minnesota and Manitoba, and enables a larger role for renewables in the North American energy grid.

The GNTL and its delivery of carbon-free hydropower are important components of Minnesota Power's EnergyForward strategy to transition away from coal and add renewable power sources while maintaining reliable and affordable service for customers, echoing interties like the Maritime Link that facilitate regional power flows. It also is part of a broader ALLETE strategy to advance and invest in critical regional transmission and distribution infrastructure, such as the TransWest Express transmission project, to ensure grid integrity and enable cleaner energy to reduce carbon emissions.

"The seed for this renewable energy initiative was planted in 2008 when Minnesota Power proposed purchasing 250 megawatts of hydropower from Manitoba Hydro. Beyond the transmission line, it also included a creative asset swap to move wind power from North Dakota to Minnesota, innovative power purchase agreements, and a remarkable advocacy process to find an acceptable route for the GNTL," said ALLETE Executive Chairman Al Hodnik. "It marries wind and water in a unique connection that will help transform the energy landscape of North America and reduce carbon emissions related to the existential threat of climate change."

Minnesota Power and Manitoba Hydro, a provincial Crown Corporation, coordinated on the project from the beginning, navigating National Energy Board reviews along the way. It is based on the companies' shared values of integrity, environmental stewardship and community engagement.

"The completion of Minnesota Power's Great Northern Transmission Line and our Manitoba-Minnesota Transmission Project is a testament to the creativity, perseverance, cooperation and skills of hundreds of people over so many years on both sides of the border," said Jay Grewal, president and CEO of Manitoba Hydro. "Perhaps even more importantly, it is a testament to the wonderful, longstanding relationship between our two companies and two countries. It shows just how much we can accomplish when we all work together toward a common goal."

Minnesota Power engaged federal, state and local agencies; the sovereign Red Lake Nation and other tribes, reflecting First Nations involvement in major transmission planning; and landowners along the proposed routes beginning in 2012. Through 75 voluntary meetings and other outreach forums, a preferred route was selected with strong support from stakeholders that was approved by the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission in April 2016.

A four-year state and federal regulatory process culminated in late 2016 when the federal Department of Energy approved a Presidential Permit for the GNTL, similar to the New England Clean Power Link process, needed because of the international border crossing. Construction of the line began in early 2017.

"A robust stakeholder process is essential to the success of any project, but especially when building a project of this scope," Owen said. "We appreciated the early engagement and support from stakeholders, local communities and tribes, agencies and regulators through the many approval milestones to the completion of the GNTL."

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