“We have smoothly transitioned into the second phase of the extension to 2036—a phase that can be somewhat conditionally divided into two stages: up to 2031, and from 2031 to 2036. Most of the work related to the 2031 milestone has been completed; just yesterday, within the framework of the working group, we confirmed 100% completion of the production targets,” Likhachev said.

According to him, future work will proceed with the 2036 target in mind.

“Neither I nor our specialists have any doubt that the plant’s operation will be extended to 2036,” the Rosatom chief noted.
At the same time, Likhachev emphasized that the final decision rests with the operating organization—the plant itself—and the regulator, the Nuclear Safety Regulatory Committee of Armenia.

Likhachev also reported that Armenia’s leadership and specialists are examining the possibility of extending the NPP’s operation even further—from 2036 to 2046.

“Theoretically, such a possibility exists, and we are ready to organize this work if such a decision is made.” “But beyond technical feasibility, we must also consider economic viability,” he said.

According to Likhachev’s estimates, extending the plant’s operation until 2046 would require investments amounting to hundreds of millions of dollars. These funds would be allocated for upgrading safety and automation systems, re-annealing the reactor vessel, and expanding and repairing spent nuclear fuel storage facilities.

He noted that the necessary capital expenditures could, in turn, lead to higher electricity costs during the 2036–2046 period.

“Electricity costs could even double if the full scope of work for the extension to 2046 is carried out,” Likhachev stated.

As an alternative, he proposed limiting the current power unit’s service life to 2036 while making a decision to build a new unit as soon as possible.