ArmInfo. The second program to extend the lifespan of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) until 2036 will begin in a few days, as stated by Davit Khudatyan, Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure (MTAI) , on March 18 meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Economic Affairs, when presenting a report on the progress and results of the implementation of the Government Program (2021-2026) for 2025.
"The first program to extend the lifespan of Armenian NPPs until 2026 is currently underway (in 2016, the lifespan of Armenian NPPs was extended by 10 years - ed.). In the coming days, a second lifespan extension program will be launched, which entails extending the NPP's lifespan by another 10 years. A budget loan of 63.2 billion drams has been provided from the state budget to the ANPP," Khudatyan said.
Meanwhile, Armenia continues negotiations with various countries and companies regarding the construction of a new nuclear power unit. "The Armenian government has already selected the type of nuclear power plant - a modular one. We will select the model this year or in early 2027, after which we will move on to the next stage," the Minister noted.
Recall, Unit 2 of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant (ANPP) is currently undergoing a second program to extend its operational life by 10 years, until 2036. The Armenian government has allocated $165 million for the entire extension program, with $57.5 million falling under the responsibility of Rosatom State Corporation, with the remainder being implemented independently by ANPP. The parties intend to continue measures to enhance the plant's safety. They plan to transition to a new range of design-basis accidents, the very ones that must be included in safety systems. Work will also be carried out to improve the ANPP's fire safety and modernize the auxiliary circulation pump systems. Much attention will be paid to materials science studies, as the plant will be operated well beyond its intended lifespan, and therefore, work will be carried out to inspect the reactor vessel metal.
A new nuclear power unit is scheduled to be built in the country by 2036. Armenia has not yet decided on the design of the new unit. Negotiations are underway with potential technology suppliers. Countries such as the United States, Russia, South Korea, and China have expressed interest in constructing a new nuclear power plant in Armenia. Back in July 2023, the Armenian government sent a working group to the United States to learn about American nuclear technologies, small modular reactors, and their developments. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has repeatedly stated that a strategic decision has been made to build a small modular nuclear power plant. "One important reason is that, as experts explained to us, accidents at modular nuclear power plants are considered emergencies of local significance, meaning that in the event of an accident at a nuclear power plant, there will be no threat beyond a 500-meter radius," Pashinyan stated.
