Mirzoyan: Armenia will extend lifetime of current nuclear power unit with smooth transition to new capacity by 2036
YEREVAN, May 21, /ARKA/. Guided by national priorities and the key importance of nuclear energy in achieving global Net Zero objectives, as well as driven by the successful uphold of high standards of safety and security in the operation of the NPP, Armenia decided to extend the lifetime of current unit with an ultimate goal of smooth transition to a new capacity by 2036, said Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan May 20 speaking at the International Conference on Nuclear Security (ICONS 2024) titled “Shaping the Future” in Vienna, Austria..
Representatives from more than 130 countries were participating in the conference. Mirzoyan said Armenia fully implements its international obligations under the UN Security Council Resolution 1540 through its National Action Plan. Major efforts have been undertaken to ensure strong border control to prevent the trafficking of nuclear and radioactive material. In cooperation with other international partners, all border checkpoints of Armenia are being consistently modernized and upgraded.
Recalling the relevant IAEA General Conference Resolutions and Decision, he said Armenia reiterates its principal position that any attack or threat of attack against nuclear facilities devoted to peaceful purposes constitutes a violation of the principles of the United Nations Charter, International law, and the Statute of the Agency.
According to him, the position of Armenia is principal in this regard, but also driven by past experience in light of undisguised threats against its nuclear power plant.
‘The inviolability, safety, and security of peaceful nuclear facilities should be unconditionally observed also in times of armed conflicts. In this regard, Armenia recalls the importance of the Seven Indispensable Pillars introduced by the Director General, as a bare minimum for ensuring the safety and security of peaceful nuclear facilities. In light of this, Armenia once again commends the dedicated and tireless efforts of the Director-General and the personnel of the IAEA.
Our aim is to generate international understanding and acceptance that there is a need to revitalize the process of developing an international legally binding treaty prohibiting armed attacks and threats of attacks against nuclear facilities devoted to peaceful purposes.’
The Armenian NPP, the only one in the South Caucasus region, is located near the town of Metsamor, about 30 kilometers west of Yerevan. The plant is one of the main sources of electricity in the country, providing up to 40% of the total generation. Its service life has been extended until 2026, and work is underway to re-extend it for another 10 years.
The construction of a new plant is estimated to take 8-10 years. Now different variants are being compared and experience of partners from Russia, USA, South Korea is being studied. The Armenian side is already considering the preliminary feasibility study for the construction of a new 1200 MW unit developed by Rosatom State Corporation..-0-
