The cascade of hydroelectric power plants on the Western Dvina will open up new opportunities for the Vitebsk region

The construction of a cascade of hydroelectric power plants on the Western Dvina will give new impetus to the development of the Vitebsk region. This opinion was expressed by Yuri Mitkovets, Deputy General Director for Capital Construction of RUP "Vitebskenergo", commenting on the President's speech at the Fifth All-Belarusian People's Assembly, which noted that a large volume of work on reconstruction and production increase is planned in the Vitebsk region in the current five-year period.

"The construction of the Vitebsk, Polotsk, and Beshenkovichi HPPs on the Western Dvina is of great importance for the region. And this is not only about the generation of environmentally friendly and relatively cheap electricity. It is equally important that river transport navigation, which is a

one of the most cost-effective modes of transport. All this will give a new impetus to the region's development," believes Yuri Mitkovets.

He explained that when building the cascade, navigation locks are provided at each of the HPPs, which will expand the region's logistical capabilities. In particular, cargo can be transported along the Western Dvina by river transport to the Baltic countries. The construction of the Vitebsk and Polotsk HPPs is already underway (the construction of the lock at the Vitebsk HPP is planned to be completed in 2017, the Ministry of Transport is overseeing the construction of the lock at the Polotsk HPP, and an architectural design has been developed). As for the Beshenkovichi HPP, investors are currently being sought for the implementation of this project, Yuri Mitkovets added.

Alena Tikhonova - BELTA.