The delegation of the Armenian NPP paid an official visit to the Novovoronezh nuclear power plant to learn from the experience of Novovoronezh specialists who implemented an ambitious project for the world's first re-extension of the operating life of a power unit with a VVER-440 reactor.

“During the Soviet years, two power units with a VVER-440 reactor were built at the Armenian NPP. Unit 1 has been shut down, and modernization is now being completed at Unit 2, which will extend its service life until 2026. In accordance with the Energy Development Strategy of Armenia, approved at the government level, a decision has already been made to extend the life of power unit No. 2 for another 10 years, until 2036. Therefore, we want to study the experience of the Novovoronezh NPP in this promising direction and are actively working together with Russian nuclear scientists to create a concept for the project,” Director of the Armenian NPP Movses Vardanyan said.

As a reminder, power unit No. 3 of the Novovoronezh NPP, which was the leading one in a series of power units with VVER-440 reactors built in nine European countries, was shut down in December 2016. Its equipment and safety systems were used during the re-modernization of Unit 4. The experience of Novovoronezh nuclear scientists is in demand globally.

“A unique project has been implemented to re-extend the life of power unit No. 4 with a VVER-440 reactor. The project concept was proposed by the specialists of the Novovoronezh NPP. After the modernization, power unit No. 4 began to comply with the most modern safety requirements, even though it was designed in the 60s,” said Vladimir Povarov, Director of the Novovoronezh NPP.

An Armenian-Russian working group is being created at present on the initiative of ROSATOM. This group will include technical specialists from the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructures of the Republic of Armenia, the Armenian NPP, CJSC NII ARMATOM, Scientific and Technical Center for Nuclear and Radiation Safety, the Committee on regulation of nuclear safety. On the Russian side, the activities of this working group will be coordinated by Rusatom Service JSC. As part of their interaction, group members will develop a concept for extending the service life of the Armenian NPP after 2026.