Increasing the safety level of the Armenian NPP is the main task of the second stage of its modernization program

ArmInfo. Almost half of all expenses for the implementation of the program for extending the life of the second power unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant are directed to improve the station's safety. This is in conversation with the correspondent. Deputy Director General of "Armenian Nuclear Power Plant" CJSC Hera Sevikyan stated ArmInfo.

According to him, the safe operation of the Armenian nuclear power plant is the cornerstone of the second phase of the program. Currently, when the first stage of the program is completed, all forces are thrown to the realization of the second stage. Moreover, both stages were in parallel mode. "After the work on the first stage, we already knew about the work that needs to be done at the second stage. In particular, contracts have been concluded for the supply of equipment, a schedule of works has been drawn up, "said the Deputy General Director, noting, however, that the project implementation process is very voluminous and may take a longer period than originally planned. Moreover, these tasks will be carried out after the station receives a new license for energy production.

"All stations have long-term programs to improve safety, and we are no exception. This is an ongoing process, "Gera Sevikyan emphasized, pointing, in particular, to the need to construct, at the third stage, the construction of a long-term hangar storage of non- returnable containers with radioactive waste.

He noted that in 2018 the plant's reactor will be stopped for two months. At the same time, turbines alternately stop for six months. First, the first turbine will be replaced, which, after modernization, will begin to work, and then the second one will be stopped. "Thus, during the entire period of work, except for two months, when the reactor is stopped, the unit will produce electricity, perhaps even in the amount of 60%, providing about 200-220 MW of electricity," the expert noted. He noted that in the coming period, the main components related to nuclear fuel will be replaced. In particular, it is a drive unit that regulates the reactor power control system, allowing it to safely stop its operation. Thanks to this system, changes in power are also carried out safely. That is, it is about replacing the main mechanisms that move the cassettes and affect the power. Replacement is also subject to the mechanical part of the fuel connection, the so- called absorbing residues, which allow to reduce the activity of the zone. These components are the most important and determine the safe operation of the nuclear power plant, allowing them to maneuver capacities, "the Deputy Director General said." We must also solve the problem with cooling water. "It must be compensated for the reactor not to boil. It is also necessary to modernize the sprinkler system in order to maintain the box of the steam generator, in which the main equipment is located, "the expert added.

As for the power generation systems, as Gera Sevikyan noted, the station has ambitious plans for this component. The whole cycle will be almost completely replaced, starting with turbines, generators, and ending with capacitors, transformers and cooling towers, which will be modernized at the modern level. As a result, the efficiency of nuclear power plants will be significantly increased. "Based on the experience of other countries, we expect that the efficiency will increase by 18-20%, the capacity of each turbine will increase to 226 MW, and this will be done without additional fuel consumption.

During the shutdown of the station, a shortage of capacity will be provided by generating electricity from other generation facilities. Moreover, there are more than enough capacities in the republic. Of course, during the modernization period the station will incur certain financial losses, as the production of electricity from nuclear power plants will be significantly reduced. In this context, the NPP hopes to increase the tariff from the station by 1-2 drams per kWh of electricity.

Gera Sevikyan also said that during the project implementation the station actively cooperates with international specialized organizations - IAEA, VAE NPP, and others. "This cooperation is increasingly being activated, especially through WANO, which is in the process of reorganization and is practically becoming an alternative to the IAEA.It takes on very many functions, especially those related to the experience of operating stations and the transfer of positive experience to other stations. to neutralize the overall level of security.Our relations with these structures are constructive and effective, "the Station representative said, adding that the IAEA, in spite of its critical attitude towards the Soviet bloc OKAM, nevertheless, understanding the situation, provides the ANPP with the necessary technical and financial assistance within the framework of the extension project.