Armenia’s commitment to nuclear safety received a significant boost with the government’s approval of a financial agreement with the European Commission on December 27th. This agreement secures a €12.9 million technical assistance grant from the EU, earmarked for enhancing nuclear safety, radiation protection, and radioactive waste management infrastructure at the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant (ANPP). This substantial investment underscores the ongoing collaborative efforts to ensure the plant’s operational reliability and environmental protection.
This EU-funded initiative directly addresses critical safety concerns identified during post-Fukushima stress tests conducted at the ANPP. These tests highlighted areas requiring reinforcement to mitigate potential risks. Consequently, the grant will finance the installation of passive recombiners within the Unit 2 containment area. These recombiners are crucial for minimizing the risk of hydrogen explosions during severe accidents, significantly enhancing containment integrity and overall plant safety. This upgrade is a direct response to the lessons learned from the Fukushima disaster, demonstrating a proactive approach to nuclear safety.
Beyond physical upgrades to the ANPP, the grant also focuses on strengthening Armenia’s regulatory framework. The funding will bolster the capacity of Armenia’s Nuclear Safety Regulatory Committee, empowering it to conduct more robust evaluations of the ANPP’s periodic safety reviews. This enhanced oversight will ensure adherence to existing safety standards, facilitate thorough assessments of the implementation of national stress-test action plans, and improve the supervision of programs related to the plant’s eventual decommissioning and the long-term management of radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel. This strengthening of the regulatory body is essential for maintaining public trust and ensuring long-term safety.
Furthermore, the EU funding will contribute to the establishment of a state-of-the-art radiochemical reference laboratory in Armenia. This new facility will significantly enhance the country’s environmental radiation monitoring infrastructure, allowing for more precise and timely detection of potential radiation leaks. This improved monitoring capability will also strengthen emergency response systems and integrate best practices and modern knowledge into radiation monitoring activities, further safeguarding public health and the environment.
Addressing the critical issue of radioactive waste management, the initiative includes the development of independent capabilities for manufacturing storage containers for radioactive waste. This will provide Armenia with greater autonomy in managing its nuclear waste, mitigating long-term storage challenges and further reinforcing the country’s nuclear safety infrastructure. This investment in domestic waste management capabilities is a crucial step towards long-term sustainability and environmental responsibility. This comprehensive support from the EU signifies a continued commitment to enhancing Armenia’s nuclear safety standards, ensuring both the reliable operation of the ANPP and the protection of the environment and public health.
