Armavir province of Armenia hosted the second state of public hearings on construction of a new energy unit of the Armenian nuclear power plant (NPP) with participation of representatives of ecological organizations.

“As per the Armenian legislation and international conventions on nuclear energy, we held the first stage of discussions in August 2010,” Armenian Deputy Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Areg Galstyan told journalists on May 17.

The final version of Environmental Impact Assessment was submitted for expertise to the RA Ministry of Nature Protection in March 2011. Besides, the second stage of public hearings is held. Galstyan added that a detailed discussion will be organized in Gyumri next week.

With a projected capacity of 1,000-1,200 megawatts, the new nuclear plant would be more than twice as powerful as Metsamor's sole operating reactor that generates more than 40 percent of Armenia's electricity. The Soviet-built reactor is due to be decommissioned in 2017. According to preliminary estimates, the new atomic block will cost approximately $5 billion. A more precise figure will emerge after the completion of design works.