Ukrainian expert: Armenian nuclear power plant is more protected than most stations in Europe

ArmInfo. The staff of the Armenian nuclear power plant is open for communication, enthusiastically absorbs and tries to realize the best of what experts from other countries offer it. About this corr. ArmInfo was told by the Chief Inspector for Supervision of Khmelnitsky NPP (Ukraine) Konstantin Koba, commenting on his participation in the partnership check on the planning and implementation of the labor protection measures at the Armenian NPP.

As noted by the expert, the mission was carried out in October last year in the framework of cooperation with the World Association of Nuclear Power Plant Operators (WANO). Konstantin Koba underlined that within the framework of this cooperation a large number of projects are being implemented aimed at improving the safety and reliability of nuclear power plants around the world. The technical support missions, one of which was held at the Armenian NPP, share their experience with operators of nuclear power plants in solving the tasks facing the stations.

"I participated in several similar missions on various topics, I always liked very much to take part in such events, because, when I came next time, I saw that the results of the previous inspections brought significant positive changes, but we can say that the staff of many divisions was interested and received a new best practice, and I hope that he already applies it in his work, "the expert noted.

Konstantin Koba stressed that Armenia is widely represented in the work with international organizations in the field of nuclear energy. "I know that my colleagues in different countries have acquaintances from Armenia, including representatives of supervisory bodies, and therefore I conclude that Armenia not only gets the best international experience, but also represents its achievements," he said.

Speaking about the interaction of the IAEA and WANO at the ANPP, the expert stressed that the main task of technical missions is to increase safety of operation of a nuclear facility. "The Armenian NPP performs all conditions of the regulatory body of Armenia, and he, in turn, requires compliance with IAEA requirements ratified by Armenia. We can talk about the compliance and implementation of international norms. Taking into account more stringent legal and regulatory regulations in the field of fire safety and labor protection, the Armenian nuclear power plant is more protected than most stations in Europe. In general, in my opinion, the public should feel protected because close cooperation with international organizations makes NPP work more safe and transparent, "Konstantin Koba said.

In his opinion, the prospects for further expansion of cooperation between Armenia and Ukraine in the field of nuclear energy are urgent and promising. "At Rivne NPP in Ukraine, we operate the same units as at the Armenian NPP, so the exchange experience of exploitation between these sites is the most promising.

The Armenian nuclear power plant consists of two units with WWER reactors. The first unit was commissioned in 1976, the second - in 1980. In March 1989, after the Spitak earthquake, which killed 25 thousand people, the station's work was stopped. In November 1995, in connection with the most acute energy crisis, the second power unit of the station with a capacity of 407.5 MW was involved. In March 2014, the Armenian government decided to extend the life of the second power unit by 10 years - until 2026. The project is coordinated by the subsidiary structure of the State Corporation Rosatom - JSC Rusatom Service. Completion of work is planned for 2019. The Government of the Russian Federation allocated a $ 270 million state export loan to Armenia and a $ 30 million grant for these purposes. In March 2015, the Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) was established to implement the program. To date, four meetings of the JCC have been held.