ArmInfo. The management of the Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant (NPP), led by its Director General, Eduard Martirosyan, paid a working visit to Bulgaria from July 14-17, where they inspected the operations of the Kozloduy NPP.
According to the NPP press service, the Armenian delegation visited the Kozloduy NPP to participate in an experience exchange program and an expert visit. During the visit, Martirosyan met with Andrey Krasnocharov, Deputy Executive Director of the Kozloduy NPP, while other members of the Armenian NPP management team participated in discussions with relevant specialists coordinating their respective areas of activity. The parties discussed issues related to the safe and reliable operation of nuclear power plants, service life extension programs, the development of international cooperation, and the application of best practices in this field.
The program also included technical tours of the production and technological infrastructure of the Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant, during which the Armenian delegation was introduced to the plant's operation, maintenance, safety, and modernization processes.
As a reminder, in May of this year, the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant was shut down for a five-month scheduled maintenance. During this period, with the assistance of specialists from the Russian state corporation Rosatom, the main work will be carried out under the second life extension program for Unit 2 of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant. $65 million in savings from the first extension program will be used to address this issue.
Meanwhile, Unit 2 of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant, currently operating in the country, is currently undergoing a second program to extend its service life by 10 years, until 2036. By this date, a new nuclear power unit is expected to be built in the republic. Countries such as the United States, Russia, South Korea, and China have expressed interest in building a new nuclear power plant in Armenia. Back in July 2023, the Armenian government sent a working group to the United States to familiarize itself with American nuclear technologies, small modular reactors, and their developments. Pashinyan has repeatedly stated that a strategic decision has been made to build a small modular nuclear power plant. Notably, during Vice President J.D. Vance's visit to Armenia on February 9, an agreement was signed to continue cooperation in the development of civilian nuclear energy worth $9 billion, under which Yerevan will receive small modular reactor technology. However, on February 11, in parliament, responding to a question from Deputy Speaker Ruben Rubinyan about when the Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant would finally be closed and with whom Armenia would cooperate on building a new one, Pashinyan stated that Armenia was still choosing which nuclear power plant to build. According to him, the Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant's operational life could be extended until 2046. Previously, it was expected to last until 2036. He added that a decision on building a new plant could be made during this time.
According to the Strategic Plan for the Development of the Energy Sector of the Republic of Armenia (until 2040) and the schedule for its implementation, Armenia plans to increase the capacity of solar and wind power plants to a total of at least 2,000 MW by 2040. As a result, the share of electricity generated using renewable energy sources in gross final electricity consumption, including large hydroelectric power plants, will reach approximately 50% in 2030, and approximately 60% by 2040.
