Head of Ecological Academy NGO Greta Gabrielyan said Armenia needs to develop alternative types of energy, specifically solar energy, instead of constructing a new nuclear unit of the Armenian nuclear power plant (NPP).

“There are favorable conditions for the development of solar energy in Armenia,” Gabrielyan told journalists on May 17 during public hearings on construction of the new nuclear unit of the Armenian NPP.

The funds needed for NPP’s closure, as well as prevention of environment pollution should be considered in cost calculation of various types of energy. If they are taken into consideration, nuclear energy is much more expensive, according to Gabrielyan.

She noted that the annual flow of solar energy makes 1700 kilowatts/h per square meter in Armenia, while the average European index makes 1000 kilowatt/h per square meter.

Besides, Gabrielyan noted that a trend of nuclear energy rejection and transfer to alternative energy is observed in the world, while Armenia should also follow this example.

The public hearings were held by the Armenian Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources and Metsamorenergoatom CJSC jointly with the Ministry of Nature Protection and Armavir Mayor’s Office.