In a recent statement, Belarusian President A. Lukashenko underscored the hefty financial implications of operating the Astravyets nuclear power plant. He pointed out that owning a nuclear facility does not exempt the country from substantial costs, as the maintenance, operation, and regular fuel replacement demand large financial inputs. According to him, one loading of nuclear fuel has escalated from $150 million to approximately $200 million, illustrating the increasing economic burden associated with the plant. Fuel replacement occurs every three to four years, contributing to ongoing expenses.

The construction of the Astravyets nuclear power plant was a personal initiative of Lukashenko, who persistently promoted the project as a means to decrease Belarus's dependency on Russian gas. However, despite the plant's launch, reports indicate that the expected reduction in gas dependence has not materialized. In 2024, Belarus reportedly imported 17 billion cubic meters of Russian gas, even while the Astravyets facility was operating at full capacity. These figures suggest that the anticipated energy independence has not been achieved, raising questions about the project's effectiveness.

Furthermore, energy consumption data reveals a concerning trend as well. In 2020, Belarus consumed 18.766 billion cubic meters of gas, which increased to 19 billion cubic meters in 2021. This continued reliance on Russian gas, alongside the costly operation of Astravyets, highlights the challenges facing Belarus in balancing energy independence with economic feasibility, putting into question the future viability of the nuclear initiative.