Hayk Harutyunyan: Nuclear power is best option to provide basic capacity

ArmInfo. "Armenia need available basic capacity generators, the preferred option is the development of the nuclear power", said the Deputy Minister of Energy Infrastructures and Natural resources of the Republic Hayk Harutyunyan.

According to him, currently the strategy of the energy complex development till 2036 is being reviewed.  Various scenarios are being considered, the development of thermal power, etc. "All the possible scenarios are discussed, and the scenario which will allow to provide the maximum security of the energy of the state through the minimal costs will be approved", stated the Deputy Minister. But nowadays, the last decision is not taken. It will depend on various factors like processes, technologies and pricing. This applies to renewable energy, and traditional generation facilities", said Hayk Harutyunyan. He noted that the renewable energy can not proved security to the state as it is changable. <Currently the peaceful atom is the best option for providing the country's basic capacities>, noted the Deputy Minister.

To recall, the Armenian NPP, the only NPP in the region, is located near the town of Metsamor (some 30km to the south of Yerevan). The first unit was put into exploitation in 1976, the second in 1980. At the beginning of 1989, the plant was closed down for political ideas, and then the second unit was reactivated because of acute energy crisis at the beginning of 1995. Two power units of Russian model pressurized water reactor- 440, with capacity of 815 megawatt in total were installed at the Armenian NPP. Experts say the Plant will be able to operate till 2016. At present measures are being taken to prolong the lifespan of the Armenian NPP till 2027. It is planned that these works will last five years and be completed in 2019.  Russia allocated for this purpose to Armenia a state export loan for $ 270 million and a grant of $ 30 million.