Armenia discusses increasing the efficiency of state control in atomic energy industry
At the Nuclear Safety Regulatory Committee of Armenia, with the participation of the Prime Minister, a discussion was held on improving the efficiency of state regulation in the field of the use of atomic energy.
According to the press service of the Government of the Republic of Armenia, Nikol Pashinyan was presented with a report on the results of the department’s activities for 2022.
It was pointed out that the work of the Committee is aimed at ensuring the safety of the population, objects using atomic energy, protection of the population and the environment from the possible harmful effects of ionizing radiation.
Measures are ongoing to improve the safety of the Armenian NPP and fulfill the conditions and requirements stipulated by the license for the operation of the 2nd power unit. Checks were carried out, reports were analyzed, project documentation for the implementation of security system modifications was studied, and conclusions were drawn.
In order to ensure the physical protection of the ANPP, work continued with international partners, including the IAEA, whose mission visited Armenia in March 2022. In the context of the upcoming programs, details were presented regarding the re-prolongation of the life of the 2nd power unit of the ANPP, the construction of a new power unit, and the development of a national plan for radioactive waste management.
The work carried out within the framework of environmental radiation monitoring, which is carried out using modern systems with the support of the European Union, is presented. It was noted that within the framework of the upcoming research programs, it is planned to build an accelerator, develop nuclear medicine, and train personnel.
Measures are being taken to improve the RA Law "On the Use of Atomic Energy for Peaceful Purposes" and to harmonize the national legislation with the EU directives. A report was presented on the activities of CJSC Scientific and Technical Center for Nuclear and Radiation Safety.
The Prime Minister stressed the importance of training personnel in this area, noting that it is necessary to consolidate resources allocated to sectoral education and form a quality system. He stressed the need for proper implementation of the RA's priorities in the field of the use of atomic energy and gave instructions in this regard.
About Armenian NPP
The Armenian nuclear power plant, the only one in the South Caucasus region, is located near the city of Metsamor, about 30 km west of Yerevan. The station is one of the main sources of electricity in the country, providing up to 40% of the total generation. Its service life has been extended until 2026, work is underway to re-extend for another 10 years.
It is planned to build a new nuclear power plant in the country within 8-10 years; a variant of a typical standard power unit with a capacity of 1000-1200 MW is being considered. As part of the Memorandum of Understanding signed in June 2022 between ANPP CJSC and Rusatom Overseas JSC (a structure of the Rosatom Concern), the process of preparing the construction of a new nuclear power unit in the Republic of Armenia was launched.