European investors may participate in the construction of new energy
blocks in Armenia's Armavir, the Deputy Minister of Energy and Natural
Resources of Armenia Areg Galstyan said, News Armenia reports.
Galstyan said that they have already concluded a deal with Rosatom.
Russia and Armenia signed an inter-governmental agreement on August 20
to construct an energy block and nuclear power plants in Armenia. The
new block is planned to produce 1000 megawatts and is worth $5
billion. Russia may finance 20% of the construction, which should
start in 2011.
The deputy minister clarified that the technical and material base is
ready. The ministry also prepared an ecological evaluation, which will
be viewed this week.
Galstyan said that they had the first social hearings in Armavir, the
second hearings will be held in Armavir and Giumri after expert
evaluation.
The operating nuclear power plant is located in Metsamor, exploited
since 1976. Only the second energy block producing 407.5 megawatts is
operating. The power plant uses 90 nuclear fuel rods annually.
RAO UES, owned by Rosatom, is managing the power plant from September
2003 to 2013. Specialists say that the power plant may function until
2016.
