Piotr Switalski: Agreement stimulates EU readiness to cooperate with Armenia in the field of energy

ArmInfo. The agreement on a comprehensive and expanded partnership between Armenia and the EU stimulates the EU's readiness for cooperation with Armenia in the field of energy, Piotr Switalski, head of the EU delegation to Armenia, told journalists today, responding to a question about the impact of the document signed on November 24 on fate Armenian Nuclear Power Plant (ANPP).

According to the diplomat, the EU considers the development of green energy in Armenia, the development of independent energy sources, the liberalization of the energy market and ensuring the availability of energy resources for ordinary citizens of the country important. At the same time, he stressed that the EU has for the past years provided assistance aimed at supporting the safety of the Metsamor NPP in order to ensure the normal operation of the functioning reactor of the station. Understanding the background of the issue, the European diplomat stressed that there is not a single point in the framework agreement that could "leave Armenia alone in solving energy problems" and the EU confirms its readiness for cooperation. In this regard, the diplomat stressed that, in spite of the measures taken to prolong the operation of the plant, technical maintenance of its safety, nevertheless, the resource of the reactor is limited. "Undoubtedly, Armenia will sooner or later face the question, but how to proceed further," stressed Switalski, noting that the EU is ready to work with Armenia to find the right, effective solutions that will be approved by the citizens of the country. "That's all we say, nothing more," the diplomat summed up.

The Armenian nuclear power plant consists of two units with Soviet (Russian) 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 acute energy crisis, the second power unit of the station with a capacity of 407.5 MW was restarted. 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 for these purposes and a grant of $ 30 million.