A Technical Workshop was held in Armenia within the framework of the project “Nuclear Safety Regulatory Cooperation with the Armenian Regulator,” with the participation of experts from ANRA and NRSC, as well as the Consortium led by IDOM Consulting, Engineering, Architecture S.A.U. (Spain). The workshop aimed to review the progress of the ongoing projects, present the results of completed activities, and define next steps for implementation. During the event, participants presented and discussed action plans for the transposition of selected WENRA Safety Reference Levels and key Euratom Directives into Armenia’s legislative and regulatory framework. These included the Drinking Water Directive (Euratom 2013/51), the Basic Safety Standards (BSS) Directive (2013/59/Euratom), and Directive (2006/117/Euratom) on the supervision and control of shipments of radioactive waste and spent fuel. These approximation efforts are carried out in line with Armenia’s obligations under the EU–Armenia Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and the broader objective of systematically aligning national legislation with relevant EU requirements. In addition, the Consortium conducted and presented the results of a regulatory review of safety-related documentation, including the Level 2 Probabilistic Safety Assessment (PSA) for internal initiating events. The evaluation of seismic safety enhancement measures, the implementation of hydrogen passive autocatalytic recombiners, and the full-scope simulator were also presented and discussed in detail. The findings were reviewed jointly with ANRA and NRSC specialists, enabling in-depth technical exchange and clarification of key aspects related to safety improvements at the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant. The workshop contributed to strengthening the national regulatory framework, enhancing the technical expertise and analytical capacity of ANRA and NRSC specialists, and further aligning Armenia’s nuclear and radiation safety system with European and international standards.
The Nuclear and Radiation Safety Centre (NRSC) has successfully carried out the safe removal, transportation, and long-term storage of a disused high-activity cobalt-60 (Co-60) teletherapy source from the National Centre for Oncology named after V. A. Fanarjyan. NRSC specialists led the operation, ensuring comprehensive planning and coordination, radiation safety oversight, regulatory compliance, and full documentation throughout all phases of the process. The activity was implemented within the framework of international cooperation aimed at reducing radiological risks and strengthening the secure management of high-activity radioactive sources. The disused teletherapy head was safely dismantled, handled, securely packaged, and transported under enhanced physical protection measures to the facilities of “Radioactive Waste Management” CJSC, where it was placed into long-term storage. Radiation monitoring conducted before, during, and after the operation confirmed the absence of radiological contamination and demonstrated that occupational exposure levels remained well below established regulatory limits. The operation was carried out through close coordination among the Nuclear and Radiation Safety Centre, the Armenian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (ANRA), “Radioactive Waste Management” CJSC, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Armenia, and partners from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Radiological Security. This successful operation highlights NRSC’s central role in ensuring nuclear and radiological safety in Armenia and contributes to the mitigation of potential radiological hazards through the safe and secure management of radioactive sources.
As previously reported, the Nuclear and Radiation Safety Centre, with the support of European and American partners, has transported 40 high-activity radioactive sources from the Ashtarak Institute of Physical Research to the storage facilities of the “Radioactive Waste Management” CJSC.The process was organised in accordance with international safety standards, ensuring the safe collection, packaging and transportation of the sources.This initiative is another important step in improving Armenia’s radiation safety and applying international best practices. Watch the report by Armenian Public TV.
NRSC specialists transferred 40 cobalt-60 (Co-60) radioisotopic sources from the Institute for Physical Research of the National Academy of Sciences of Armenia to the Radioactive Waste Management CJSC for secure storage. Representatives of the Nuclear Regulatory Authority, as well as the relevant departments of the National Security Service and the Ministry of Internal Affairs, also took part in the operation. High-activity radioactive sources dating back to the Soviet era had long been stored in a bunker at the Institute for Physical Research. As they were no longer in use, it became necessary to move them to a safe storage facility. This was the first operation of its kind ever carried out in Armenia. The Nuclear and Radiation Safety Centre developed a comprehensive plan for removing the sources from the bunker and transporting them in compliance with the highest safety standards. The NRSC worked in cooperation with the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, whose experts were invited to Armenia to provide technical review and consultation. An important partner in the operation was the Institute of Isotopes (Hungary), whose specialists designed and manufactured the special loading/storage container used for the Co-60 sources. Hungarian experts participated directly in the removal activities, working alongside NRSC professionals to ensure the safe packaging, handling, and transfer of the radioactive materials. Preparatory work included a detailed site inspection, assessment of required materials and equipment, and development of a detailed safety plan. Particular attention was paid to minimising risks during the removal process — both for personnel and for the environment. The operation aimed to reduce potential radiation risks and ensure the protection of the local population and the environment. All activities were carried out in accordance with international safety standards, fully meeting technical and environmental requirements. This initiative marks an important step toward strengthening public safety and expanding international cooperation in the nuclear field.
Specialists from the Nuclear and Radiation Safety Centre (NRSC) participated in the 66th Annual Meeting of the Institute of Nuclear Materials Management (INMM), held on August 24–28, 2025, in Washington, D.C. The international gathering brought together more than 600 nuclear professionals—policymakers, scientists, regulators, and engineers—from around the world to discuss innovations and challenges in the safe, secure, and effective management of nuclear and radioactive materials. During the event, NRSC experts delivered two technical presentations. Ms. Arpi Khachatryan presented “Development and Assessment of Packaging Design for the Safe Dismantlement, Transportation, and Storage of High-Activity Radioactive Sources from an Irradiator Facility.” Her talk highlighted Armenia’s successful work on the removal of disused Co-60 sources from the K-120000 irradiator. She presented an innovative packaging solution, developed in collaboration with partners from Hungary and the Czech Republic, which ensures safe and compliant transport to Armenia’s national storage facility. Mr. Karen Haroyan presented a “Case Study on a Radiation Emergency in Armenia with Significant Contamination and Radiological Consequences.” He reviewed the 2009 incident detected at the Armenian-Georgian border, detailing the multi-agency emergency response, radiological assessment, and subsequent recovery operations. The case study underscored the importance of coordinated response mechanisms and highlighted the regulatory improvements introduced in Armenia since the incident. NRSC’s participation at INMM 2025 reaffirms Armenia’s commitment to international cooperation, regulatory advancement, and the continuous enhancement of nuclear and radiation safety practices. The conference also provided a valuable platform for exchanging technical expertise, exploring emerging technologies, and engaging with the global nuclear security community.
Specialists from Armenia’s Nuclear and Radiation Safety Center (NRSC) participated in the Nuclear Forensics Technical Exchange, held on August 20–22 at Argonne National Laboratory, in Lemont, (Illinois, the US). The international event brought together experts to discuss radioactive source registries, field data collection, and the development of National Nuclear Forensics Libraries (NNFLs). Armenia was represented by Ms. Arpi Khachatryan, Mr. Karen Haroyan, and Ms. Anahit Petoyan. During the program, Ms. Petoyan, a PhD student at NRSC, delivered a presentation titled “Towards Accurate Quantification of Non-Homogeneous Swipe Samples in Gamma Spectrometry.” Her research addressed challenges in analyzing heterogeneous contamination and proposed methods to improve measurement accuracy in nuclear forensics investigations. The program combined theoretical discussions—such as the expansion of the xARIS platform developed by NRSC and the outcomes of the ISTC cooperation project—with hands-on sessions using Argonne’s NNFL toolkit, field detection instruments, and integrated registry software. Such exchange of experience is an important step in developing nuclear forensics capabilities in Armenia, contributing to the creation of a National Nuclear Forensic Library.
Although Iran’s nuclear facilities are not located near Armenia’s borders, a large-scale incident could potentially lead to the spread of radioactive substances, depending on wind patterns and the nature of the explosions. What monitoring capabilities does Armenia have? How is radiation monitored, where and how often does it take place, and what have recent measurements shown? Are there any risks for the population? These questions are addressed by Armen Amirjanyan, Director of the Nuclear and Radiation Safety Centre; Karen Haroyan, Senior Specialist at the Radiological Laboratory; and Khachatur Khachikyan, Acting Chairman of the Nuclear Safety Regulatory Committee of the Republic of Armenia.
Following the bombings of Iran’s nuclear facilities, specialists from the Nuclear and Radiation Safety Centre promptly travelled to the Syunik province to conduct dosimetric measurements. Measurements were carried out in several communities, including Meghri, Agarak, and Kajaran. The results show that background radiation levels in the southern regions of Armenia have remained unchanged. NRSC continues to monitor the situation closely.
By 2036, Armenia’s operating nuclear power plant is scheduled for decommissioning. In anticipation, the Republic of Armenia must confront a range of complex challenges, foremost among them, the safe management of spent nuclear fuel and radioactive waste. Since 1989, Armenia has not exported any spent nuclear fuel. All such material remains stored on-site at the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant, posing long-term safety, environmental, and logistical concerns. “Armenia is a small country with limited specialists and experienced institutions in the field of radioactive waste management,” noted Armen Amirjanyan, Director of the Nuclear and Radiation Safety Centre, in an interview with A1+ news agency. “It is essential to mobilise all available resources to develop a comprehensive system that prevents this issue from becoming a burden for future generations. This work must begin without delay, as time is limited. Prompt action is critical to ensure the safety of both the population and the environment.” How is Armenia preparing for this transition? What strategies has the government adopted, and what concrete measures are underway to meet the challenges ahead? Armen Amirjanyan, Director of the Nuclear and Radiation Safety Centre, explored these questions and more in an interview with A1+ news agency.
The Nuclear and Radiation Safety Centre has developed a special software tool, RAD-MAP, for the Radiation Safety Department of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant. RAD-MAP is designed to improve the management of various operational tasks among staff and shift teams. Specifically, the application enables the management to assign tasks and define their frequency, attach relevant radiometric maps (cartograms), store task completion results, monitor progress, and generate various queries and reports. Notably, the system allows all measurement results and data to be stored in a centralised database without affecting performance, ensuring efficient and reliable data management. The implementation of RAD-MAP aims to streamline workflow and enhance coordination of the Radiation Safety Department at the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant.
