Ankara to apply to the IAEA for Armenian Nuclear Power Plant closure

Ankara to apply to the IAEA for Armenian Nuclear Power Plant closure

PanARMENIAN.Net - Turkey was in favor of closing the Armenian nuclear power plant in Armenia believing it poses a great danger for the region. As reported by Turkish media, such a statement was made by Turkish Energy Minister Taner Yildiz.

He said that Turkey will soon apply to the IAEA on this issue.

"Lifespan of that station expired long ago, and we therefore now turn to the IAEA for its closure," said Yildiz.

According to him, there are about 26 nuclear power plants, which have operated more than 40 years, and this constitutes a danger for the entire world.

Turkish Minister also said that after an earthquake in Van province, he requested the experts to assess the situation in the area of the Armenian nuclear power plant located adjacent to the Turkish border territory, bakutoday reports.

In response to Taner Yildiz’s statement, Armenian Energy Ministry has rejected danger regarding Metsamor Nucelar Power Plant.

According to Chief Engineer of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) Movses Vardanyan, the NPP earthquake resistance is above 10 points.

Mr. Vardanyan noted that the earthquake that hit Van was nearly unfelt at Armenian NPP.

“NPP block is a basalt layer located on the artesian waters, latter increasing earthquake resistance. NPP safety inspection testifies to the reliability of the block,” Vardanyan said.

The Armenian NPP was commissioned in 1976. Currently, only its second unit with a capacity of 407.5 MWatt operates.

According to specialists, the NPP can be exploited until 2016.

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