Hayots Ashkharh Daily, Armenia
Sept 8 2007
ARMENIA WON’T IMPORT GAS FROM IRAN FOR THE TIME BEING
Recently the press reported that Armenia is planning to import gas
from Iran from September 22. Minister of energy Armen Movsisyan
doesn’t substantiate this information, saying that there is no
specific agreement on this issue.
`In case of necessity even at this moment we can import gas from
Iran. The construction work is almost finished. But the demand will
show whether we will import gas or not, at the time mentioned.’
‘That is to say, there is no specific agreement on this issue.’
`No.’
`As we know. We are going to give energy in order to get gas. Can
we say that Armenia is not yet ready to import additional amount of
gas because Yerevan Thermal Power Plant is under reconstruction?’
` We are ready to import additional amount, but there must be
demand. You bring as much gas as it is needed. In case of necessity
we will use that gas.’
` When are you planning to bring to an end the reconstruction of
the gas inlet capacity?’
` At the end of the next year. Maybe even earlier. It depends on
the weather. As you know the works are implemented in the mountainous
areas, were the weather conditions are not always good.’
‘In what stage is the work there?’
`The installation of the pipes has already started. 40km’s sector
is welded. The platform is almost ready. 120 km pipe is transformed,
100 km is piled.’
‘Is there a certain term, when Armenia will start to produce
energy from Iranian gas?’
`No there is no exact term. Once the mutually beneficial situation
is created for the both sides, the works will start.’
` As we know there are plans to produce energy from Iranian gas in
Yerevan Thermal Power Plant, which is under construction. In what
stage is the installation of new gas-pipelines?’
` The project activities are over, the contest is announced, and
the packages are opened. By the end of this month we will sign an
agreement with the contractor on starting the activities.’
` When are you planning to bring to an end the reconstruction of
Yerevan Thermal Power Plant?’
‘At the end of 2009?’
`There was a project to elaborate a strategy on closing the
Nuclear Power Plant. In what stage is the document?’
`The strategy is submitted to the government and is at the stage
of discussion. It will be adopted during the nearest sittings of the
government. The closing of the Nuclear Power Plant is a serious
process, which includes legal, political, and economic factors. That
is why they must be prepared. It is a long-term process.
The strategy is directed to the issue, of what path we must chose
in case we close the Nuclear Power Plant. There are three scenarios
in the world for closing the Nuclear Power Plant. We should see which
is acceptable for us.’
‘How much time will you need for closing the Nuclear Power Plant?’
`Closing the Nuclear Power Plant doesn’t mean destroying it. The
radiation sectors will stay in their places for 50-60 years and be
conserved. Whereas it needs certain exploitation.’
‘Once you said that the Nuclear Power Plant would close only after
having an alternative. What does this presume?’
`We have always announced that we are ready to close the Nuclear
Power Plant once we have an alternative power. Today we are saying
that taking into consideration the developments in the region, the
tendencies of raising the prices of power generating materials in the
international market, the only alternative in Armenia can be nuclear
power. Which means, until we have a new Nuclear Power Plant we can’t
close the old one.’
‘With whom do you negotiate for building a new Nuclear Power
Plant?’
‘With Russia, the USA and MAGATE. The technical-economic
foundation activities are on. It is an expensive work and it will
last around 2 years. As for the financing of the construction of the
new Nuclear Power Plant, the negotiations are in process. Time will
show what course will they take.’
`How much time is it required for building a new Nuclear Power
Plant?’
` Around 4-5 years, from the first step to the end.’
`Aren’t you late in the context of the exhaustion of the operating
resources of the acting Nuclear Power Plant and building the new
one.’
`At this stage I don’t think we are late. We have time we simply
need to use this time in an effective way, not to be late.’
`Where is it planned to build the new Nuclear Power Plant?’
`The preliminary place is at the place of the acting Nuclear Power
Plant.’
`How much will it cost?’
‘According to preliminary calculations around 2 billion dollars.’
VASAK TARPOSHYAN