Armenian NPP to extend term of operation by 10 years

October 18, 2012 - 17:04 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net - The governments of Armenia and U.S. have signed a memorandum of understanding related to energy sector. Armenian side was represented by Energy Minister Armen Movsisyan; Ambassador bJohn Heffern signed the document on the U.S. side

According to the envoy, the document proves the parties’ readiness to cooperate in all aspects of energy sector. “The safety of Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant being among the key issues in the memorandum, the U.S., jointly with the government of Armenia is taking every effort to provide its secure operations,” Mr. Heffern stressed.

According to Mr. Movsisyan, the government resolved to prolong Metsamor NPP’s term of operation by 10 more years, considering that construction of a new energy block will take the same time. As he further noted, the program implementation is currently being discussed.

“Though adhering to international community’s position of extending the NPP’s term of operation till 2016, the U.S. is ready to assist in safe operation of the NPP if a relevant resolution is reached,” Mr. Heffern said.