Plan to extend exploitation of Armenian nuclear plant block cost-effective – Rosatom director

The project to extend the operation of the Metsamor nuclear power plant has for a long period been successfully implemented, Kiril Komarov, Director for International Business and Development, Rosatom company, told Tert.am on the sidelines of the 7th international forum, Atomexpo-2015.

In response to a question about an agreement on the extension of operation of the 2nd power unit of the Metsamor nuclear-power plant, Mr Komarov said: “All the fundamental decisions pertaining to the project were made late last year, when an Armenian-Russian intergovernmental agreement was signed, which envisaged Russia’s assistance to Armenia in extending the operation of the Metsamor nuclear-power plant. Later, as you know, an intergovernmental agreement was signed under which Russia was to grant an interstate loan of about US $300m, and give a grant, to Armenia.”

The main factor in launching the project was the fact that Armenia’s Parliament ratified the agreement, which is in effect now.

“Our Constitution in Russia does not require ratification; for Russia, they entered into effect after being signed. We were waiting for ratification by Armenia; that’s the reason there are no obstacles in terms of implementing the project,” Komarov said.

He added that large-scale work had been carried out before the documents’ ratification in back in autumn. “The relations between Russia and Armenia are so much based on partnership and friendship that we understand how important it was to complete all the activities towards exploiting the nuclear power station in time. There were a number of other activities, the preparation of the documents that we started last autumn to justify the reasons for prolonging the exploitation timeframes,” he added.

Komarov said he finds that the project, which is being successfully implemented, gives absolutely no ground for concern. “Armenia will not definitely remain without that power unit; we do understand how important it is for Armenia as it produces 25% of the country’s energy. As for Russia, Rosatom will invest its best efforts to prepare the documents justifying the prolongation of timeframes and guaranteeing security-related issues. They will provide a description as to the necessary steps towards renovating the station or replacing equipment to enable its successful operation in the 5-10 or even 15 years to come,” he added.

Komarov said he finds that the project to upgrade the operating power unit is practically more cost-effective than an initiative to construct a new one.