TVEL JSC, Armenian NPP sign contract for supply of fresh nuclear fuel

ArmInfo.TVEL JSC and Armenian Nuclear Power Plant CJSC signed contract for the supply of Russian nuclear fuel. The delivery will be completed in the fourth  quarter of 2022, which will fully meet the current needs of the  Armenian NPP in fresh nuclear fuel. The TVEL company reports.

The only operating nuclear power unit in Armenia with a capacity of  448.25 MW is supplied with vibration-resistant fuel for the VVER-440  reactor produced by the Machine-Building Plant (MSZ JSC, an  enterprise of the Rosatom Fuel Company TVEL in Elektrostal). The  Armenian nuclear power plant in Metsamor has traditionally been one  of the main sources of electricity in the country. In 2021, the  station generated more than 2 billion kWh, providing a quarter of all  electricity generation in the national energy system. In the first  half of 2022, the nuclear power unit generated 0.92 billion kWh.

"Throughout the history of the nuclear power plant in Metsamor, the  Machine-Building Plant and TVEL Fuel Company have remained reliable  partners for Armenian power engineers. Until the end of the operating  life of the operating power unit, we will continue to consistently  provide the Armenian NPP with nuclear fuel with the maximum  consideration of the requirements and wishes of the customer," said  Oleg Grigoriyev, Senior Vice-president for Commerce and International  Business at TVEL JSC, commented. 

At the end of 2021, the plant completed a large-scale modernization  project for the existing power unit, thanks to which its operating  life was extended until 2026. Rusatom ServiceJSC acted as the key  contractor for the implementation of the project.  "Currently, the  concept and program for extending the life of the power unit after  2026 for another 10 years is being considered. Measures have already  been outlined to be carried out jointly with Rosatom, which will make  it possible to further increase the safety level of the power plant. 

In addition, the issue of the construction of the second stage of the  Armenian NPP is on the agenda,"  Eduard Martirosyan, Chief Executive  Director of Armenian Nuclear Power Plant (ANPP) said.  It should be  reminded that in June of the current year, the Armenian NPP was  connected to the unified energy system of the country. 

In accordance with the preventive maintenance program for 2022, the  launch of the power unit was scheduled for June 27, but thanks to the  efficient work of the personnel, it was completed 4 days ahead of  schedule. At present, the NPP is operating in normal operation, at a  capacity of 380 MW, in compliance with safety and reliability  standards. 

 The Armenian Nuclear Power Plant , which is the only one in the  South Caucasus region, is located near the city of Metsamor, about 30  km west of Yerevan. The Armenian NPP is traditionally one of the main  sources of electricity in the country. The station annually generates  up to 40% of all electricity in Armenia.