Latvia eyes electricity from Belarus nuclear plant

RIGA -
Latvia’s electricity transmission system operator, AST, is looking at the possibility of purchasing electricity from the soon-to-be completed Belarusian nuclear power plant in Astravets, long criticised by the Lithuanian government, Belsat TV has reported.
According to the Latvian media, the Latvian government is seeking to mitigate the risk of a possible drop in electricity supplies given that energy trading between the Baltic states and third parties is currently carried out only through the Belarusian-Lithuanian border, including Latvian imports from Lithuania.
If AST starts importing electricity from the Belarusian plant to Latvia, the energy is expected to enter the Lithuanian market as well.
The Lithuanian government has repeatedly criticised the nuclear power over national security and environmental safety concerns, as well as a number of emergencies that took place during construction.
The first Astravets reactor, which is being built close to the Lithuanian border in the Hrodno region, is expected to be operational by the end of 2019.
Related News

Demand for electricity in Yukon hits record high
WHITEHORSE - A new record for electricity demand has been set in Yukon. The territory recorded a peak of 104.42 megawatts, according to a news release from Yukon Energy.
The new record is about a half a megawatt higher than the previous record of 103.84 megawatts recorded on Jan. 14, 2020.
While in general, over 90 per cent of the electricity generated in Yukon comes from renewable resources each year, during periods of high electricity use each winter, Yukon Energy has to use its hydro, liquefied natural gas and diesel resources to generate the electricity, the release says.
But when it comes to…