Rosatom is ready to extend the operation of the Armenian nuclear power plant until 2046

Rosatom CEO Alexei Likhachev said that the corporation is ready to organize work to extend the life of the Armenian nuclear power plant until 2046, that is, 10 years longer than the agreed period. However, he said it was important to consider the economic feasibility of the issue.

As Alexey Likhachev noted during his visit to Yerevan, the extension of operation will require serious investments. “We estimate them at the level of hundreds of millions of dollars associated with the modernization of security systems, automation systems, with the re-annealing of the reactor hull in order to ensure all characteristics and with the expansion and repair of facilities for storing spent nuclear fuel,” the head of Rosatom told reporters. “Therefore, serious capital expenditures will be required, which in turn will increase the cost of electricity over the horizon of 2036-2046.” And even a two-fold increase in electricity is possible if you make the entire volume of extension of work until 2046, he said.

The Metsamor nuclear power plant has been operating in Armenia since Soviet times. In 2021, Rosatom upgraded the second power unit of the plant and, in agreement with the Armenian government, extended the life of the nuclear power plant first until 2026, and then for another 10 years. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said in February that the deadline could be extended until 2046, and during this time a new station could be built. Alexey Likhachev said today that we can talk about an international consortium with the participation of Russia and other countries.

Lucine Balasian