2024-02-11 07:34:13
On December 15, “Rusatom Service” and “Armenian Nuclear Power Plant” signed an agreement to extend the period of operation of the Armenian NPP until 2036.
“Rusatom” informs that the agreement to extend the operation period of the plant was reached within the framework of the regular session of the intergovernmental commission for economic cooperation between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Armenia.
The document was signed by Eduard Martirosyan, General Director of “Armenian Atomic Power Plant” and Yury Sviridenko, Head of Complex Projects Management of “Rusatom Service”.
“Taking into account Rosatom’s unique experience in extending the operational life of the Kola and Novovoronezh NPPs, as well as taking into account the positive results of the first phase of modernization of the Armenian NPP, cooperation with the state corporation within the framework of the signed agreement will allow the plant to operate efficiently and safely until 2036.” – Yuri Sviridenko commented.
Operation of the Armenian NPP is the most important factor of the energy independence of the country. The share of the Armenian NPP in the total production of electricity in the republic is about 30%. Atomic energy is an environmentally friendly source of production, so producing electricity at the Armenian nuclear power plant allows not to emit a significant amount of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
In 2014, the Armenian government appealed to Rosatom to upgrade the NPP and extend its operation period. The modernization started in 2015, the works were completed in 2021. The important thing is that most of the works were carried out without stopping the operation of the power plant. With the involvement of specialized Russian organizations and institutes, detailed calculations were made, a huge amount of equipment was replaced at the station. The unit’s emergency cooling system, engine room, turbines, automated control systems were modernized, heat treatment of the reactor body, regeneration firing, and a large number of repair works were carried out. The capacity of the power unit was increased from 380-390 MW to 440 MW.
The operational term of the Armenian NPP ends in 2026, the corresponding license was issued by the State Committee for Nuclear Safety Regulation under the RA Government in 2021.