Rosatom’s nuclear fuel company TVEL and Haykakan Atomayin Elektrakayan (Armenian NPP) have signed contract documents for the supply of Russian nuclear fuel. The delivery, to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2022, will fully meet the current needs of the Armenian NPP (ANPP) for fresh nuclear fuel.

Armenia’s only operating nuclear power unit, a VVER-440 reactor with a capacity of 448.25MWe, is supplied with vibration-resistant fuel manufactured by TVEL’s Mashinostroitelny Zavod (MSZ) in Elektrostal.

ANPP in Metsamor is one of the main sources of electricity in the country. In 2021, the station generated more than 2TWh providing a quarter of all electricity generation in the national energy system. In the first half of 2022, the unit generated 0.92TWh.

ANPP was built in the 1970s with two Soviet-supplied VVER-440-V230 units, but was closed following a devastating earthquake in 1988. However, unit 2 was recommissioned with Russian help in 1995 following severe energy shortages. In March 2014, the Armenian government decided to extend the plant’s service life to 2026 and it has now been extended until 2036. Most of the overhaul (until 2019) was funded by an interstate loan from the government of the Russian Federation, the remaining work was carried out at the expense of the budget of Armenia.

“Currently, the concept and programme for extending the life of the power unit after 2026 for another 10 years is being considered,” said ANPP Director General Eduard Martirosyan. “Measures have already been outlined to be carried out jointly with Rosatom, which will make it possible to further improve the safety level of the power plant. In addition, the issue of construction of the second stage of the Armenian NPP is on the agenda,” he said.

“Throughout its history, the Machine Building Plant, TVEL Fuel Company and Rosatom State Corporation have been reliable partners for Armenian power engineers,” said Oleg Grigoriev, TVEL’s Senior Vice President for Commerce and International Business. Until the end of its operating life we will continue to consistently provide ANPP with nuclear fuel based on the maximum consideration of the requirements and wishes of the customer.”

Image: TVEL and Haykakan Atomayin Elektrakayan (Armenian NPP) have signed deal for the supply of Russian nuclear fuel (courtesy of Rosatom)