Armenian energy ministry finds extension of nuclear power plant for ten years possible
22.11.2018,
11:21
The Armenian Nuclear Power Plant’s operation may be extended for another ten years, Garegin Baghramyan, the acting energy infrastructures and natural resources minister, said Wednesday at a news conference.
YEREVAN, November 22. /ARKA/. The Armenian Nuclear Power Plant’s operation may be extended for another ten years, Garegin Baghramyan, the acting energy infrastructures and natural resources minister, said Wednesday at a news conference.
In his words, similar nuclear power plants already have a 60-year operation practice.
Before extending the power plant’s life for ten years, he said, it is necessary to carry out a careful examination of the reactor.
“If it will be fit for continuing its operation, then it will be possible to ask the International Atomic Energy Agency for permission to extend the nuclear power plant’s operation,” Baghramyan said. “Of course, the key matter will be safety of its operation, but the safety system of the nuclear power plant has already been improved several times.”
The acting energy minister stressed that the plant’s life can be extended only with taking into account the state of the reactor.
Atomic energy should remain the pivotal segment in the country.
Armenian Nuclear Power Plant sits near Metsamor (30 kilometers west of Yerevan).
Only the second unit of the plant is operating now. It generates 30 to 35% of the country’s annual power output.
In March 2014, the Armenian government decided to extend the plant’s life till 2026 because of delay in construction of a new nuclear unit.
The plant’s life will be extended by using the $300-million loan Russia has extended for that purpose. -0---
In his words, similar nuclear power plants already have a 60-year operation practice.
Before extending the power plant’s life for ten years, he said, it is necessary to carry out a careful examination of the reactor.
“If it will be fit for continuing its operation, then it will be possible to ask the International Atomic Energy Agency for permission to extend the nuclear power plant’s operation,” Baghramyan said. “Of course, the key matter will be safety of its operation, but the safety system of the nuclear power plant has already been improved several times.”
The acting energy minister stressed that the plant’s life can be extended only with taking into account the state of the reactor.
Atomic energy should remain the pivotal segment in the country.
Armenian Nuclear Power Plant sits near Metsamor (30 kilometers west of Yerevan).
Only the second unit of the plant is operating now. It generates 30 to 35% of the country’s annual power output.
In March 2014, the Armenian government decided to extend the plant’s life till 2026 because of delay in construction of a new nuclear unit.
The plant’s life will be extended by using the $300-million loan Russia has extended for that purpose. -0---
