It will take 30-32 years for the existing power unit of the Armenian nuclear power plant to be decommissioned.
March 1, 2022 will mark one year since the agreement was enforced. During a discussion organized at the Public Journalism Club on November 12, Tigran Melkonyan, Head of the Energy Department of the RA Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure, referred to the progress of the agreement.
Tigran Melkonyan noted that it is about cooperation with the European partners of the parties and the closure of the Metsamor NPP, according to which an action plan and program should be developed early, ensuring Armenia’s energy security. He said that they have reached an understanding with their European partners. They should have the capacity to replace the ANPP, as Armenia’s energy security is an important component of national security and should be ensured. “But our resources are not inexhaustible and after some time it must be decommissioned,” said Tigran Melkonyan, noting that the Armenian side intends to operate the existing power unit by 2036, and a new nuclear power unit must be built before decommissioning.
“It takes 30-32 years to decommission the plant and get a green area on the spot, and a lot of money is needed, about 500 million euros, and we will expect the support of European partners.” The agreement envisages the development of alternative energy. In response, Tigran Melkonyan said that the government intends to increase solar energy to 15% in the balance of electricity production. He also said that the government has adopted a plan for the development of energy strategy until 2040, which outlines the prospects for the development of renewable energy in the field of solar, wind and other energy efficiency.
He added that changes are already being made in the laws. For example, public procurement requires that light bulbs and air conditioners meet the requirements, which will lead to a significant reduction in public spending.
Lusine Budaghyan
