Rosatom: Main specifics of Metsamor NPP is its location in zone of enhanced seismic activity

ArmInfo. The main specifics of Metsamor NPP is its location in the zone of enhanced seismic activity, Kirill Komarov, First Deputy Chief Executive Officer for Corporate Development and International Business at Rosatom State Atomic Energy Corporation, said at a briefing in Yerevan on April 20 answering to ArmInfo's question.

According to him, any nuclear power station and Metsamor NPP is not an exception is a unique object and this fact should be always considered, especially during the implementation of project for extending terms of its exploitation. Enhanced seismic activity on Metsamor NPP has been considered since the beginning of implementing the project on extension of life cycle of the second unit of NPP. Komarov recalled that the Armatom Research Institute an Armenian company has won the tender on supplying systems of industrial anti-seismic safety. And this is not coincidence, as the company knows best how to organize the plant's operation in safety mode, he mentioned. Kirill Komarov also reminded that VVER-440 units are typical and are being exploited in a lot of countries, where phases of modernization, increasing of capacities and extension of life cycle were conducted. "In this light there is nothing unique. The only difference is that the project is being implemented in very tight deadlines and this imposes additional obligations on all the participants for distinct coordination of efforts. For now we manage to ensure this", Deputy CEO of Rosatom stated.

In his turn Deputy Energy Minister of Armenia Areg Galstyan recalled that after reactivating the second unit of the NPP full-scale work on increasing its safety was conducted. Leading companies from all over the world were involved in this work. Thorough research was conducted twice including on seismic stability of the unit. Besides, after the accident on Fukushima NPP in Japan detailed examination of Armenian NPP was held by Belgian Traktebel Company. Based on the results of the examination a plan of events was presented, which is necessary to carry out additionally in order to meet new and stricter demands. This work is underway and is included in the project of extension of the second unit of Armenian NPP.

To recall, in December 2014 Armenian and Russian governments signed agreement on cooperation for extending term of exploitation of the second unit of Armenian nuclear power plant. In February 2015 agreement on providing a loan for financing the work on extending life cycle of NPP was signed. In June 2015 Rusatom Service and NPP CJSC signed contract on conducting work, supplies and service for extending life cycle of the second unit of Armenian NPP.