Nuclear energy in Armenia history problems possibilities and outlook

The structure of the Armenian electric energy system is presently well balanced. The production capacity mix consists of about H42% nuclear, of about H40% gas, and HI8% hydropower capacities. Before 2012, almost exclusively, new gas fired power plants are expected to be constructed, and some old gas fired ones are predicted to be closed down. A significant change in the structure of energy-production would occur after 2016, if the ANPP unit was shut down with the expiry of its operational license limited recently by the design lifetime. For Armenia which is taking place in a rather complex geopolitical situation, and at absence of own natural power resources, ANPP today is sole guarantor of power and general independence and safety of our country. It has been realized it fully when our plant was shut down after the 1988 destructive earthquake and when the entrance of fuel for thermal power plants became impossible. This hardest energy crisis 1991-1995 has forced to accept the decision on renewal of ANPP operation. Naturally, in order to prevent recurrence of a similar situation, we are aimed on continuation of operation of our unit down to creation of compensative capacities. Based on the present tendencies and market conditions, the industry is either predicted to cover the lack of electricity and the growth of demand with gas fired power plants that produce energy more expensively compared to the nuclear power plants, or would import the electric energy itself increasing the import-dependency. This way between 2012 and 2019 the import gas consumption of electric energy production, as well as its carbon-dioxide emission would grow dramatically compared to its present values (even in case of an intensive utilization of renewable energy sources). The electric energy import would, in the long run, be an expensive and obviously import-dependence-increasing solution. For the compensation of the production of ANPP it is rather difficult to find a green alternative. In view of this situation the decision on construction of the new NPP made by the Government of Armenia is accepted by public (around 70%)