The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is satisfied with the cooperation efforts of Armenia, its Secretary General Yukiya Amano said at a meeting with Armenian representative to the organization Arman Kirakosyan in Viennes on Thursday, News Armenia reports.
The sides discussed realization of programs and issues of mutual interest, regional development, cooperation.
Armenia has the only nuclear power plant in the South Caucasus near the Metsamor City (30-40 km west of Yerevan). The station has been operating since 1976. Only its second block is operating with an output of 407.5 MW, producing about 40-50% of the country's energy.
Armenia wants to build a new power plant over the old one with an output of 1000 MW. Construction is to start in 2011 and end in 2017.
Armenia may need $5-6 billion for realization of the project. The parliament lifted state monopoly on nuclear energy blocks in 2006 to invite private investments for the project.
