NUCLEAR ENERGY DEVELOPMENT ONLY ALTERNATIVE FOR ARMENIA
ARKA
March 20, 2008
YEREVAN, March 20. /ARKA/. Nuclear energy development is the only
alternative for Armenia, RA Deputy Minister of Energy Areg Galstyan
said on Wednesday during a round-table on nuclear energy issues.
"Nuclear energy plays a crucial role in energy development," the
Deputy Minister was quoted as saying.
He pointed out that leading foreign experts are studying nuclear energy
development prospects in Armenia and are trying to find alternative
sources of energy.
The results of these activities show that nuclear energy is the only
alternative for Armenia from the viewpoint of security, economic and
ecological practicability, Galstyan said.
Director of For Sustainable Human Development Association Karine
Danielyan said Armenia should also seek and develop alternative
energy sources.
"Nuclear energy development is just a period in the civilization
progress, and I am sure that alternative sources of energy are the
future of the civilization," she said.
The Armenian NPP started to operate in 1976 (the second unit started
to operate in 1980).
Only the second power unit of the plant with a Russian nuclear reactor
is operating at present.
The unit generates about 50% of Armenia’s electric power.
In the coming five years, the Armenian NPP will be under the trust
management of the INTER RAO UES CJSC, subsidiary of RAO UES Russia
(60% of the shares) and the ROSENERGOATOM Trust (40%).
According to specialists, the Armenian NPP in Metsamor can operate
until 2016.
About $2bln will be allocated for the construction of the new unit
of the Armenian NPP, the RA Minister of Energy.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
