Armenian nuclear power plant to be re-opened by 4 October – minister

Public Television of Armenia, Yerevan
25 Aug 04

[Presenter] The Metsamor nuclear power plant has been out of operation
for 26 days. It was stopped on 31 July for overhaul and refuelling. It
is expected that the plant’s fourth turbine will be repaired in 65
days and that refuelling will be completed before 4 October. This is
the first time that fresh nuclear fuel has been delivered to the
Armenian plant in advance, before the beginning of repair works. In
addition to the above, a new security system is being installed at the
plant. About 12m dollars is expected to be allocated to Armenia this
year to improve its nuclear power plant’s safety.

[Correspondent over video of the nuclear plant] Maintenance at the
Metsamor nuclear power plant is being carried out according to the
schedule. All the blades on two of the plant’s turbines need to be
replaced. Preparation for the operation is being carried out by Czech
specialists. After that new fuel delivered in special containers will
be transferred to the reactor.

[Armenian Energy Minister Armen Movsisyan, captioned] This is the
first time that fresh nuclear fuel has been delivered to the plant in
advance, before the beginning of repair works. This is the first time
that repair works of such magnitude are being carried out at the
nuclear power plant. This work is expected to last 64 days. After 64
days the plant will again join the Armenia’s energy system.

[Correspondent] Safety and security measures are financed by the
European Union and the US Energy Ministry. Funds channelled to
maintain the plant’s safety after the 1995 reopening have exceeded 40m
dollars. International donors will allocate a further 12m dollars this
year.

[Movsisyan] Today the plant’s safety systems are sufficient to meet
the international standards. We would not talk about shutting down the
plant until Armenia creates alternative power generating
capacities. The construction of a new nuclear power is under
discussion. The main problem is lack of funding. After this problem is
resolved, it will be possible to decide which is more feasible: to
develop other power stations or to construct a new power unit at this
nuclear power station.

[Correspondent] Both options require finance. About 1bn dollars of
investment will be required in either case.