The first stage of measures to prolong the Armenian nuclear power plant exploitation period will be finished by the end of the year

The first stage of the planned activities directed at the prolongation of the Armenian nuclear power plant exploitation period will be finished by the end of 2016. Currently the activities are being undertaken according to the initial schedule. 

During this first phase, investigation of more than 4,500 pieces of equipment, systems and components was carried out. 97 technical tasks were developed. In accordance with the initial plan, the council of the management of credit and grant programs of the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources has approved 26 bid packages. Moreover, four agreements signed by the authorized representatives of the parties were introduced to the approval of the Ministries of Finance of Armenia on one side, and Russian Federation, on the other.

Following the completion of the first stage of activities directed on the prolongation of the power plant’s second unit exploitation period the second stage will begin. In the framework of the second phase purchasing and installation of new equipment, as well as performing necessary reparations are planned. At the same time important measures aimed at improving the level of design and operational safety will be initiated.

In the framework of the preventive maintenance activities for 2016 instrumental examination of equipment and pipeline of the reactor system are planned. The instrumental examination is possible only if the operation of the station is halted.