Zakharova: Metsamor NPP has solid safety margin, and claims of its  danger to tregion unfounded

ArmInfo. The Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) has a solid safety margin-its reactor is specially adapted to the region's high seismic activity. This was stated by Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova, addressing claims that the Metsamor NPP in Armenia poses a security threat to the region.

The Russian diplomat noted that Moscow has taken note of statements  in the foreign press regarding the safety of the nuclear power plant  operating in Armenia. She added that, among other things, it has been  claimed that it operates using outdated technology, poses a danger to  the entire region, and should be shut down. "This is not the first  time we've heard such baseless statements. It's also telling that the  arguments of those making these politically charged assessments  remain unchanged. Nothing of the sort has been made about some  European countries that operate nuclear power plants using similar  technologies.

As is well known, the Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant has a substantial  safety margin-its reactor is specially adapted to the region's high  seismic activity. Its reliability is demonstrated by the normal  operation of its safety systems during the devastating Spitak  earthquake," Zakharova noted.

The diplomat recalled that, after necessary repairs, the nuclear  power plant was recommissioned in 1995.  She added that Russian and  Armenian specialists are currently implementing a series of measures  to extend the plant's service life again until 2036.

The Russian Foreign Ministry representative emphasized that the IAEA  has also confirmed the plant's reliability. The Agency's Director  General, Rafael Grossi, who visited the station in October 2022,  acknowledged that all measures have been taken to enhance nuclear and  physical safety.

"Today, the Metsamor nuclear power plant plays a key role in the  republic's energy balance, generating approximately 30% of its  electricity. Stable generation of affordable electricity has allowed  Armenia to develop its industry and ensure technological progress for  many years," she noted.

According to Zakharova, in the modern world-especially given the  unsuccessful experience of several European countries in  transitioning to renewable energy sources-the peaceful use of nuclear  energy is a key factor in ensuring sovereignty and energy security.

"The closure of our own nuclear power plant will lead to nothing but  increased dependence on other countries for energy. One cannot help  but wonder: why do international players, who are developing their  own nuclear energy or have no serious problems with their own  electricity supply, periodically oppose the Russian-Armenian nuclear  project? We perceive such allegations as attempts to sow discord in  Russian- Armenian cooperation in this sector and hinder the  development of initiatives involving Russia.  Furthermore, they  appear to facilitate the advancement of Western projects and  technologies that are truly destructive for the region, and which are  significantly inferior to Russian ones, including in terms of  safety," the diplomat concluded.

As a reminder, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan previously  stated that there are opportunities to extend the life of Unit 2 of  the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant for another 10 years beyond 2036. He  noted that the plant is currently in the process of extending the  life of Unit 2 until 2036. With another 10 years, the unit will be  able to operate until 2046. A decision on a new plant must be made  during this period.  Nuclear reactor models proposed by Russia, the  United States, France, China, and South Korea are being studied. "We  are conducting transparent negotiations with all partners. Our  decision, which will be strategic in nature, must be based on the  most advantageous offer that meets the interests of the republic,"  the head of government said.

He emphasized the importance of conducting research into the  international nuclear technology market.  Pashinyan noted that the  current tariff for electricity generated at the Armenian Nuclear  Power Plant is the lowest in the country. However, as the prime  minister noted, the world's current nuclear fuel reserves are  sufficient for 70 years. For this reason, it is crucial to know the  cost of 1 kWh of electricity in 40 years.  This raises the question  of economic feasibility and the potential for recouping investment.  However, as the Prime Minister noted, there is already experience  with re-enriching used fuel. In any case, Pashinyan emphasized, the  issue must be addressed at cost.

Since May of this year, the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant has been  shut down for a five-month scheduled maintenance. During this period,  the main work will be carried out under the second life extension  program for Unit 2 of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant. $165 million  saved from the first extension program will be used to address this  issue. Previously, the country's authorities announced the adoption  of a conceptual decision to build a nuclear power plant with small  modular reactors.