ARMENIAN PREMIER: “ARMENIA MAY NOT CLOSE NPP WITHOUT ALTERNATIVE OF EQUAL VALUE”
Regnum, Russia
May 23 2006
“Armenia may not close Metsamorskaya NPP without an alternative of
equal value, because considerable finances are necessary for that,”
Armenian Prime Minister Andranik Margaryan stated, answering questions
of Armenian Azg Newspaper’s readers.
According to him, Armenia does not have such possibilities now.
“Talks with interested international organizations are held with the
purpose,” the Armenian prime minister stated.
It is worth reminding that Armenian NPP was handed over under asset
management of Inter RAO UES for five years. RAO UES paid ANPP debts
to Russian providers of nuclear fuel worth $40 millions, which were
partially ($25 millions) compensated by Armenia through handing over
of Sevan-Hrazdan Coordinated Hydroelectric System. The Armenian NPP,
which consists of 2 energy unit (total capacity: 407.5 MWt), was
closed in 1988. Its second unit (407.5 MWt) recommenced functioning
in 1995. European Union insists on full closing of the ANPP. However,
the Armenian government states that it will do it only after the
country will have been provided with alternative energy supply
sources. Armenia estimates program of NPP’s whole closing at $1
billion, while European countries are offering only $100 millions.
Armenia wants to construct an NPP with capacity of 1000 MWt.