The operation of Armenia’s nuclear power station may be prolonged

The operation of Armenia’s nuclear power station may be prolonged by ten years according to Chief engineer of the power station Movses Vardanyan. He stated that similar power stations in Russia are prolonging their operations, and Armenia is ready to follow their experience.

The functioning date for the Armenian nuclear power station expires in 2016. There is no final decision on prolonging exploitation, however. The power station undergoes regular checkups and it is in good condition, the Armenian officials maintain. Until 2013 the Russian state control company Inter RAO will be managing the power station in Armenia. It came into operation in 1976, was stopped in 1989 after the devastating earthquake in Spitak, Armenia, then was re-launched in 1995. It produces around 40% of the total electric energy in Armenia.