New NNP to supply electric energy at higher price - PSRC chairman 

ArmInfo.The tariff for electricity generated by the new nuclear power plant, which the Armenian authorities intend to build, will be higher than that of the existing nuclear power plant. This opinion was expressed by the head of the Public Services Regulatory Commission (PSRC) of Armenia Mesrop  Mesropyan in an interview with an ArmInfo correspondent.

"Regardless of which model of the new nuclear power unit the  structure created by the government will choose, the tariff for  electricity generated by this new nuclear power plant will be higher than what we have now," Mesropyan said.

The existing Metsamor NPP, built between 1969 and 1977, has long since "outlived" its payback period, which is why electricity  generation is cheaper for it. Meanwhile, as the head of the PSRC explained, the situation will change in the long term, since all capital investments will be taken into account when forming the tariff for electricity from the new NPP.

At present, the second program to extend the service life of the  second power unit of the Armenian NPP operating in the country is being implemented by 10 years - until 2036. By this period, a new nuclear power unit should be built in the republic. The problem rests on the choice of its capacity.

On August 1 last year, by the decision of the Cabinet of Ministers, CJSC "Construction of a new nuclear power unit" was created, which should be engaged in the selection of the manufacturer of the new NPP, the construction process itself and further operation. The company is financed from the state budget of the country. As expected, the first research results will be presented by the end of 2025. It is known that the government is inclined to build small stations, but this type of station has not yet been "grounded" in international practice and the effectiveness of small units is not yet clear.