Belarus nuclear unit shuts down after cooling system alert

Belarus has temporarily shut down one of its two nuclear power units due to a cooling system alert, but authorities insist there is no safety threat.

Officials emphasized that radiation levels remain unchanged and that there is no risk to safety.

"The situation is routine and poses no threat to the safe operation of the plant," the Belarusian energy ministry said in a statement. 

Located near the Lithuanian border, the Astravets plant has been under scrutiny since its launch, with neighbouring Baltic states and international bodies raising concerns over its safety standards.

Built by Russia's Rosatom and financed by Moscow, the plant’s first unit went online in 2020, followed by the second in 2023—though both have experienced maintenance issues.

Despite controversies, the plant supplies around 40% of Belarus’ electricity needs.

Baltic countries, which protested against the project, have banned imports of electricity from the plant, saying it was unsafe.

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