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.
The Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management is the only legally binding global instrument addressing the safety of spent fuel and radioactive waste from generation to disposal. Every three years, Review Meetings provide an opportunity for Contracting Parties to present and discuss their National Reports on implementing the Convention’s obligations and addressing associated challenges. This year’s Review Meeting, held at the International Atomic Energy Agency headquarters from March 17 to 28, gathered over 1,000 delegates from 77 countries. The Armenian delegation included representatives from the Armenian Nuclear Regulatory Authority, the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant, and the Office of the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Armenia in Austria. The NRSC played an active role in preparing and submitting Armenia’s National Report and addressing questions from other Contracting Parties. A key challenge highlighted in Armenia’s previous National Reports has been the slow progress in establishing a Centralized Radioactive Waste Management Organization (National Operator)to oversee the long-term management of all radioactive waste in the country. This year, Armenia’s report received 50 questions, with approximately 70% focusing on the long-term management of radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel, particularly regarding the creation of the National Operator. Discussions also emphasized the role of the National Operator in developing a safe, secure, and sustainable infrastructure for long-term radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel management. Addressing these challenges is crucial not only for ensuring current safety and security but also for preventing undue burdens on future generations, a core requirement of the Joint Convention.
NRSC specialists Satine Vardanyan and Karen Haroyan attended the 37th Annual Regulatory Information Conference in Washington, D.C. In addition to participating in the conference, the Armenian delegation held high-level meetings with the newly appointed Chairman of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (US NRC), David A. Wright, as well as Commissioners Christopher T. Hanson and Matthew J. Marzano. Key discussion topics included the operational life extension of the Armenian NPP’s 2nd Unit, future decommissioning plans, spent nuclear fuel management, and the construction of new nuclear reactors in Armenia. The delegation also addressed the need to enhance the training and capabilities of NRSC staff. Armenian specialists provided insights into the current state of nuclear safety in Armenia, outlining challenges and potential solutions. NRC Chairman David A. Wright and the commissioners reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Armenia’s nuclear safety efforts, particularly in regulatory and defence areas. Discussions focused on strategies to overcome current challenges, strengthen personnel training, and modernise the regulatory framework. NRC officials also invited Armenian specialists to participate in the review and analysis of design documents for small modular reactors. Satine Vardanyan and Karen Haroyan met with American colleagues from Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) and Advanced Systems Technology and Management, Inc. (AdSTM) to explore opportunities for further cooperation, specialised training programs, and professional development initiatives for NRSC staff. NRSC values such engagements, recognising their crucial role in strengthening international collaboration and enhancing Armenia’s nuclear energy regulatory capabilities.
