Armenian NPP operates reliably and safely, but needs replacement
YEREVAN, April 4. /ARKA/. Safe and reliable operation of the Armenian NPP in Metsamor is ensured by Armenia’s regulatory body, and since it is extending the operating license of the facility, it means that the inspections and technical expertise it has conducted have shown that the unit is reliable in operation despite the outdated reactor model, IAEA Deputy Director and Head of the Nuclear Energy Department Mikhail Chudakov said in an exclusive interview with ARKA news agency.
“The operating VVER-440 type reactor is under the relentless control of the local regulator. Although it is outdated, the Armenian regulator confirms the reliability of its operation, which means it continues to work well and reliably,” he emphasized.
Chudakov noted that the Armenian regulator – the Nuclear Safety Regulatory Committee- functions in accordance with IAEA and World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO) safety standards.
“The IAEA has the Operational Safety Review Team (OSART), which implements this program, helps member states to improve the safety of their nuclear power plants during commissioning and during operation by comparing actual practices with IAEA safety standards. Activities are continuously carried out to help member states carry out life extension, modernization and safety improvement. But, taking into account the fact that the Armenian NPP unit is already old, it is necessary to look for its replacement. I know that Armenia is working on these issues,” Chudakov said.
He said that several types of reactors are on the agenda – VVER-1000 or 1200 MW. According to his estimates, such a capacity may be big for Armenia, which can install an average capacity unit, for example, 600 MW. At present, according to him, these issues are at the stage of elaboration.
“Armenia has all the essential necessary infrastructure and huge, accumulated experience of NPP operation. Armenia has been operating the plant for many years, having a well-developed infrastructure in all 19 areas recommended by the IAEA for safe and reliable operation of nuclear power plants,” Chudakov said.
He expressed confidence that the project will be realized and Armenia will have a new, reliable and safe unit to replace the operating one.
“Armenia knows how to operate it and therefore any attacks by neighboring countries are absolutely unmotivated, unfounded and often politicized,” Chudakov said.
Armenia’s neighboring countries, Azerbaijan and Turkey, have been making statements about alleged threats emanating from the Armenian NPP and demand that the IAEA shut it down. However, the Armenian authorities and NPP managers have repeatedly stated that the safety systems of the Armenian NPP are at an extremely high level and the equipment is being modernized according to the available criteria.
About Armenian NPP
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.
Earlier, Kirill Komarov, First Deputy Director General of Rosatom told ARKA that the corporation can offer Armenia nuclear reactors with capacity from 50 to 1000 MW.
