It is more rational to build new NPP with capacity of up to 600 MW - ex-deputy minister
YEREVAN, February 13. /ARKA/. It is more rational for Armenia to consider construction of a new nuclear power plant with a capacity of no more than 600 MW, former Deputy Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure Hakob Vardanyan, who oversaw the energy sector, said today.
“Based on forecasts of Armenia's economic growth for the next 10 years, construction of a new nuclear power unit of large capacity - about 1000-1200 MW, will not be justified both in terms of costs and competitive prices, as well as safe operation.... We need a system consisting of smaller, more flexible plants,” he said at a discussion on energy security.
Speaking about the prospect of constructing a modular NPP in Armenia patterned from an American project, Vardanyan said it is t unlikely.
“One should be cautious in choosing the technology for a new nuclear power unit, especially when it comes to modular reactors. Reactors of this type have not yet been fully tested, their construction involves significant economic risks, and Armenia cannot afford expensive and untested technologies,” he said.
He emphasized the importance of Armenia's cooperation with the country that will eventually build a nuclear power plant here.
“We will need to maintain relations with that country for 60-100 years, taking into account the task of NPP maintenance and reliable fuel supply,” the former deputy minister pointed out.
The Armenian Nuclear Power Plant, the only one in the South Caucasus region, is located near the town of Metsamor, about 30 kilometers west of Yerevan. It was built in the 1970s, but was closed following a devastating earthquake in 1988.
One of its two VVER 440-V230 light-water reactors was reactivated in 1995. It accounts now for about 40% of the total electricity generation of the country.
In March 2014, the Armenian government decided to extend the plant’s service life up to 2026. In March 2023 the government announced the launch of a process aimed at extending the service life of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant for another 10 years until 2036.-0-
