Hetq Media Factory has examined the challenges related to the management of radioactive waste in Armenia. The film explores the complex, important, and sensitive issue of radioactive waste and environmental safety in the country. Over decades, radioactive waste has accumulated in Armenia, making it essential for the country to take serious steps toward its long-term management, safe storage, and the mitigation of risks to public health and the environment. Through interviews with experts from the Nuclear and Radiation Safety Centre and the Nuclear Regulatory Authority, the documentary analyses the challenges Armenia faces. It presents the current state of the country’s so-called “radioactive legacy,” highlighting issues related to waste storage, associated risks, responsibilities, as well as decisions that have been made, but remain unimplemented, and relevant international practices. By drawing attention to an often overlooked issue, the film underscores the urgent need for open discussions and concrete solutions regarding radioactive waste management, environmental protection, transparency, and the future of nuclear energy in Armenia.
Satine Vardanyan, Leading Specialist of the Radiological Laboratory of the Nuclear and Radiation Safety Centre, participated in the Technical Meeting of the Disused Sealed Radioactive Sources Network (DSRS-Net) organised by the IAEA. The purpose of this meeting was to promote international cooperation in the field of safe management of disused sealed radioactive sources (DSRS) among member states. During the meeting, both the organisers and participants delivered presentations, sharing their experiences in DSRS management. IAEA experts presented the ongoing programs in this field, professional forums and platforms, as well as various IAEA electronic tools (eTools) developed to support member states in strengthening their capacities in this area. More detailed information was provided on the different professional forums included in the IAEA Network. They aim to create a joint platform for member states, where national capabilities and experiences in the field can be presented and shared, problematic issues discussed, and international best practices explored in collaboration with experts from other countries as well as relevant IAEA specialists. Through these platforms, member states can also access IAEA support within the framework of various programs. The forums are intended to bring together experts, regulatory bodies, operators, and research institutions, thereby fostering knowledge exchange and the application of international best practices. The representative of the NRSC presented Armenia’s experience and professional potential in the management of disused sealed radioactive sources. Such meetings are important as they contribute to cooperation with international experts, knowledge sharing, discussions, and the creation of opportunities for joint initiatives. For Armenia, these opportunities are especially important, as the country has accumulated spent nuclear fuel over the years, for which urgent steps are required to ensure long-term and safe management.
The Nuclear and Radiation Safety Centre, in cooperation with Radioactive Waste Management CJSC, is carrying out the removal and neutralisation of radioactive sources found in Soviet-era smoke detectors. These efforts aim to ensure the long-term and safe storage of such materials. During the Soviet period, smoke detectors containing radioactive isotopes were widely used across Armenia. In recent years, as part of several international assistance programs, the NRSC has identified and removed many of these devices from the premises of various Armenian organisations. The recovered detectors have been transferred to a secure storage facility. NRSC specialists carefully extract the radioactive sources from these detectors and place them into specialised containers designed for long-term safe storage. Organisations that may still have old smoke detectors on their premises are encouraged to contact the NRSC to ensure proper removal and handling. Tel: 010541719
NRSC specialists Satine Vardanyan and Karen Haroyan, as well as colleagues from the Armenian Nuclear Regulatory Authority and Radioactive Waste Disposal CJSC, visited Sweden to explore the country’s best practices in managing radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel. As Armenia prepares to extend the operational life of the 2nd unit of the Armenian NPP, eventually decommission the current reactor, harmonise its regulatory framework with EU directives, modernise radioactive waste infrastructure, and establish a “National operator” for radioactive waste management, studying international experience has become essential. During the meetings, the Swedish specialists presented the country’s nuclear and radioactive waste management program, legal framework, licensing and inspection procedures. Sweden has one of the most effective and transparent radioactive waste management systems in the world, operating through the combined efforts of state oversight and private sector involvement. The Armenian delegation visited key institutions, including AB Svafo and Cyclife Sweden AB in Studsvik, as well as several SKB facilities in Oskarshamn. A key element of Sweden’s model is its Nuclear Waste Fund, financed by fees from waste generators and electricity producers. Established in the 1980s, the fund guarantees long-term financial sustainability and safety. This visit offered valuable opportunities for knowledge exchange, exposure to modern waste management approaches, and the initiation of future cooperation. It also laid the groundwork for a GAP analysis and a roadmap assessing and improving Armenia’s radioactive waste management infrastructure.
