The Armenian NPP (Metsamor 2) is to be closed on 1 June to begin a programme of upgrading and life extension, according to the Energy Ministry. "In 2018, it is planned to complete the work on upgrading the cooling tower (cooling tower) number 1. Turbogenerators, turbines, block transformers and condenser modules have been delivered to the station, and the cranes for repair work have been modernised.
The Armenian NPP, comprising two Soviet-build VVER-440 reactors (first generation) was closed following a devastating earthquake in 1988. However, Metsamor 2 was reactivated in 1995 with Russian assistance in the face of severe energy shortages. The 407.5MWe unit generates an average of 45% of all electricity produced in Armenia.
Russia and Armenia signed an intergovernmental agreement to extend the life of Metsamor 2 in 2014 supported by a $270m export state loan to finance the expansion and a $30m grant.
The fourth turbogenerator at Metsamor 2 was stopped on 16 April, and the third generator will be stopped on 1 June. The reactor will be restarted on 1 August along with the fourth turbogenerator and the third generator will be relaunched on 1 December. Eventually, Armenia plans to build a new nuclear plant, but in the meantime, Metsamor 2's service life will be extended to 2026.
