Four Individuals Holding Key Positions at Nuclear Power Plant Held Accountable

As part of state oversight over nuclear facilities, the safety enhancement of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant and the compliance with the operating license conditions of the second energy block were continuously monitored. A statement from the Committee on Nuclear Safety Regulation of Armenia noted: "Reports have been analyzed, packages for modifying 15 safety systems have been studied, and conclusions have been drawn on the packages of 30 changes proposed in critical safety programs and guidelines. Six permits have been granted for implementing safety-critical works.

The Armenian Nuclear Power Plant has undergone four inspections, and four individuals holding key positions regarding safety have been subjected to administrative responsibility. The Committee has also conducted monitoring and analysis of the works outlined in the program for the double extension of the operating period of the second energy block of the nuclear power plant. Furthermore, the Committee continued its review of projects selected for the construction of a new energy block.

In the context of state oversight over activities involving sources of ionizing radiation, the Committee has registered 83 sources and issued new licenses (26 for legal entities and 93 for individuals), while extending five licenses and revoking nine. In 2024, inspections have been carried out within the framework of health, scientific, and industrial object regulatory oversight, including studies on compliance with license-related requirements, and radioactive source removal and decontamination as necessary. A total of 23 inspections were conducted, resulting in 265 directives issued, with five individuals in safety-critical positions held administratively responsible.

Through modern systems supported by the European Union and the IAEA, environmental radiation monitoring has been carried out, with no deviations from the radiation situation detected. Efforts are being made to revise the Law of the Republic of Armenia on the Peaceful Use of Nuclear Energy and to align Armenia's legislation with EU directives. The revision of nuclear legislation is regularly undertaken, considering adjustments to IAEA safety standards, new standards, and both international and domestic experiences.

Given the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement signed with the European Union, the Committee has commenced aligning Armenian legislation with EU directives. The first phase involves revising the Law on the Peaceful Use of Nuclear Energy, originally developed in 1999, which has undergone numerous amendments. In 2024, observations and proposals were submitted to the group developing the project for the refinement of this draft law.

The refined draft has been translated into English for expert evaluation by international (IAEA and EU) expert groups. The new law draft is set to be presented to the Office of the Prime Minister of Armenia by September 2025, in compliance with the established procedures. Additionally, the norms and regulations of radiation safety are being reviewed, and in the second phase, new documents will be developed in accordance with the new law to regulate the assurance of radiation safety norms and regulations.

In 2024, ongoing projects with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) continued, as well as work within various committees of CIS member states in the field of peaceful use of nuclear energy.