ArmInfo.The European Union continues to support nuclear safety in Armenia by providing additional assistance to implement stress test measures. The alternative water supply equipment, delivered to the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant (ANPP) by the Slovak company VUEZ as part of an EU-funded project, has successfully passed factory and site acceptance tests, confirming its full compliance with technical requirements, as noted in a statement issued by the Armenian NPP CJSC.
According to the source, one of the key measure implemented under this EU project is the installation of independent alternative water supply equipment designed to increase the plant's resilience during emergency conditions. The system, supplied by VUEZ, ensures alternative water supply to several critical areas: primary circuit, steam generators, spent nuclear fuel storage pools, spray ponds for the technical water supply system of safety-related consumers and demineralized water storage tanks. A comprehensive set of auxiliary equipment and tools required for the operation of these systems was also delivered.
The implementation of these measures significantly enhances the safety and reliability of ANPP Unit 2, strengthening its ability to maintain critical heat removal functions during severe accidents.
Testing: The equipment underwent factory acceptance testing at EU-accredited facilities. Subsequently, site acceptance tests were conducted directly at the ANPP from June 8 to June 11, 2026, confirming the functionality and technical specification compliance of the system.
Training: Prior to the final acceptance tests, VUEZ provided comprehensive training to ANPP personnel responsible for operating and maintaining the new systems, ensuring the staff is fully prepared for their effective use.
The final acceptance tests were overseen by a commission comprising ANPP representatives, a consultant working under the EU-funded project, and a representative of the European Commission. This project represents a significant step forward in bolstering the nuclear safety of the Armenian NPP, substantially improving the plant's readiness for severe emergency scenarios and its ability to respond efficiently to potential incidents.
Recall, Unit 2 of the Armenian NPP is currently in a five-month shutdown, during which large-scale work will be carried out to extend the unit's service life until 2036. The Armenian government has allocated $160 million for this purpose.
