December 24, 2009 - 19:13 AMT
Metsamorenergoatom to construct new power unit of Armenian NPP
The Government of Armenia approved during its meeting on 24 December the memorandum and the charter of "Metsamorenergoatom" CJSC , established with the aim to build new nuclear power generating units in Armenia. According to the RA Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan, the legal phase of this initiative has finished and a period of practical work begins.

RA President of Armenia signed on November 16 the law "On construction of new nuclear energy power generating unit (units)".

Armenia plans to build a new power plant at 1000 MW capacity and, according to experts estimations, the project may approximately cost $ 5 billion. Construction works are scheduled in early 2011.

The current operating Armenian Nuclear Power Plant is located near the city of Metsamor. The plant was put into operation in 1976, currently only the second unit at 407.5 MW capacity operates. Experts estimate that Armenian NPP can operate until 2016.