Armenia`s Nuclear Power Plant is the best nuclear project of the  Soviet Union still operating- Rosatom head

ArmInfo.  Rosatom head Alexey Likhachev has praised the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant as the best nuclear project of the Soviet Union, having survived a major  earthquake, As reported by Interfax, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail  Mishustin and the heads of official delegations participating in the  International Conference on Cooperation in Science and Technology  toured the Atom Museum exhibit at VDNKh in Moscow on December 12.  During the presentation, Likhachev discussed Rosatom's cooperation  with other countries, highlighting the history of the Armenian  Nuclear Power Plant (ANPP) and its VVER-440 seismic-resistant  reactors. It survived the Spitak earthquake in 1988 and was shut  down. However, the second power unit was subsequently restored and  restarted.

"It is simply our pride. It is the best nuclear project of the Soviet  Union, and it remains operational," Likhachev said. He added that the  current unit's operating life has been extended until 2026. The  Armenian government has adopted a resolution to begin the process of  extending the operation of the ANPP until 2036. "Almost every  quarter, I call Nikol Vovayevich (Pashinyan, Prime Minister of  Armenia) and say, 'Nikol Vovayevich, when should I come? We're ready  to settle everything,'" Likhachev added. He also said that Rosatom is  "inviting" its partners to the fourth generation of nuclear energy,  which involves the development of pressurized water technologies,  fast-neutron reactors, and a closed nuclear fuel cycle.

"This is a completely different level of safety, waste-free  production, and a reduction in uranium demand by hundreds of times.  Thus, we will ensure a stable  supply for millennia," Likhachev  emphasized.  It should be noted that the ANPP is actively working  with Rosatom  to extend the service life of its second power unit  until 2036.  A new nuclear power unit is planned to be constructed in  the country by that time.