Russia Offers Armenia Various Options for Nuclear Power Plants

The Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Armenia, Sergey Kopirkin, has stated that Moscow is offering a wide range of nuclear energy blocks to Yerevan, from large reactors to low-capacity modules. This was reported by "RIA Novosti," quoting the Russian ambassador during a meeting with the leadership of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant (ANPP).

"You mentioned the issue of constructing new nuclear energy blocks. There are proposals from the Russian side, as far as I know, regarding the entire line. There are proposals for both large reactors with detailed justification and techno-economic foundation, as well as low-capacity modules. And it goes without saying that 'Rosatom' has unique expertise in this area. There is a floating operational station already in place," said Kopirkin.

According to the ambassador, a more comprehensive offer will be available if the Armenian side accepts the proposal for a high-capacity block. "As you know, we are ready for different options, according to the choice of the Armenian side. And there are no questions in this regard," emphasized Sergey Kopirkin.

Speaking about the efforts to extend the service life of the existing nuclear power plant, the ambassador highlighted the importance of preventing additional difficulties affecting the service period related to the integration of European standards in the field of nuclear safety in the republic.

In turn, the general director of the ANPP, Edward Martirosyan, informed the ambassador about the work on extending the service life of the existing energy block and the preparation of documents to obtain permission for its operation after 2026. According to Martirosyan, the current nuclear power plant provides uninterrupted electricity supply to almost 30-40% of Armenia's entire industry.

Martirosyan also stated that the model for the new energy block is likely to be determined by the republic next year. The First Deputy General Director of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant, Movses Vardanyan, told reporters that the service life of similar energy blocks currently operating in Armenia is 60 years, while some blocks may have a resource of up to 70-80 years. "Thus, we have opportunities considering the experience of these countries. However, if the new block is put into operation, then the existing one must be stopped due to issues related to cooling water," Vardanyan noted.