Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant to shut down in two phases

The Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant will shut down for 3­4 months in 2017 and 2018 aimed at extending the exploitation of the
plant’s second unit. “Armenpress” reports that Yervand Zakharyan, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources of the Republic of Armenia said the aforementioned during his briefing with the journalists noting that it had been decided earlier to shut down
the nuclear power plant for 6­7 months but later the decision was changed.

“Taking into account the situation connected with electricity prices in Armenia after serious studies we came to the conclusion that the operation of the Nuclear Power Plant could be stopped in 2 phases with a duration of 3­4 months. The first 3 months ­ in 2017 and the 3­4 months ­ in 2018 thus alleviating its influence on the prices,” Minister said.

According to him, serious preparatory activities have been carried out and a joint coordinating committee has been created which studied and evaluated current activities.