Representatives of the Nuclear and Radiation Safety Centre (NRSC) and the Armenian Nuclear Safety Regulatory Committee (ANRA) took part in the first technical meeting in Trnava (Slovakia). The meeting was held within the framework of an EU assistance project. During the visit, Armenian experts held a series of meetings and discussions with the Nuclear Regulatory Authority of Slovakia (UJD), as well as with representatives of key institutions in the nuclear field, VUJE and JAVYS. The discussions focused on Slovakia’s experience in managing radioactive waste, decommissioning of nuclear facilities, and aligning national legislation with EU Directives and the Safety Reference Levels established by WENRA. It is worth noting that Slovakia and Armenia operate similar VVER-type nuclear reactors. Such meetings are of great importance for Armenia, especially in the context of the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA) signed between Armenia and the European Union, which calls for alignment of Armenia’s legal and regulatory framework with selected EU Directives. The Nuclear and Radiation Safety Centre is actively contributing to this harmonisation process. To date, the NRSC has developed draft versions of the following key documents: “Safety Requirements for Radioactive Waste Management,” “Requirements for Radiation Protection and Safety,” and “Procedure for State Registration of Radioactive Waste.” In addition, a new draft of the Atomic Law of the Republic of Armenia has been prepared and is currently in the finalisation stage.
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.
