ArmInfo.Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan began his speech at the International Conference on Nuclear Security: Shaping the Future, in Vienna by expressing his deepest condolences to the Iraniangovernment, partners and friendly people in connection with the tragic helicopter crash.
According to the press service of the Armenian Foreign Ministry, representatives of more than 130 countries are participating in the conference.
At the beginning of the conference, participants observed a minute of silence in memory of the Iranian President, Foreign Minister and other officials who died yesterday in a tragic helicopter crash. Further in his speech, Mirzoyan drew attention to the fact that over the past decade, the global environment has undergone significant changes, recording rapid transformations and unprecedented problems, including those arising as a result of technological developments.
"It is critical that our national nuclear security system is able to adapt and address emerging threats. Promoting inclusive dialogue, information exchange and the application of best practices are critical to effectively identifying and managing threats," the Armenian minister expressed his conviction. At the same time, he added that thanks to the key role of the IAEA, international cooperation with partners played a significant role in strengthening the potential of the Republic of Armenia in the field of nuclear safety.
"Over the years of operation, a number of programs have been implemented at the Armenian NPP to improve the level of nuclear safety in accordance with IAEA recommendations.
These improvements - large-scale modernization and modernization of nuclear plants - have created additional public confidence in nuclear power. Guided by national priorities and the key importance of nuclear power in achieving global goals of zero carbon dioxide emissions, as well as the importance of maintaining high standards of safety and security during the operation of NPP, Armenia has decided to extend the operating life of the existing power unit until 2036 with the ultimate goal of a smooth transition to new capacities," the head of the Armenian Foreign Ministry added.
At the same time, he noted that with its National Action Plan, Armenia fully complies with international obligations defined by UN Security Council Resolution 1540.
"Great efforts have been made to ensure strict border controls to prevent the smuggling of nuclear and radioactive materials. Thanks to cooperation with international partners, all border checkpoints in Armenia are constantly being modernized and updated," he concluded.
Notably, on March 23, 2023, the Armenian government decided to begin the process of re-extending the operation life of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant until 2036. The design life of the nuclear power plant expired in 2016, but thanks to large-scale modernization and re-equipment work, it was extended until 2026. The work was financed by Russian loans and grants in the amount of $189 million and funds from the state budget of Armenia in the amount of 63.2 billion drams. Taking into account the work already completed and the opinions of relevant organizations and international experience in extending the life of similar power units, it is planned, through additional investments and work, to create opportunities to extend the design life of the second power unit of the Armenian NPP by another 10 years - from 2026 to 2036. The government decision provides for the development of an appropriate program, assessment of the technical capabilities of extending the design life of the power unit, the necessary financial resources and the impact of possible investments on the tariff for the end consumer.
According to preliminary data, the cost of extending the service life of the ANPP by 10 years, will be $130- $170 million.
