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.
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.
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.
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.
The use of nuclear technologies for peaceful purposes has always been encouraged in Armenia, both during the Soviet era and now. Since the 1950s, Armenia has been effectively using this technology in a wide range of fields, such as energy, medicine, agriculture, industry and scientific research. Despite its advantages, the generated radioactive waste management is a significant challenge requiring an integrated approach to ensure both safety and sustainability. The Government of the Republic of Armenia considers the use of nuclear energy and technologies to be one of the pivotal elements of economic development. Accordingly, the Government is conducting studies on the construction of new nuclear power plants, considering both high-power reactors, and small-power and modular reactors, taking into account economic, infrastructural and compatibility with the energy system of Armenia. In the Republic of Armenia, the largest amount of radioactive waste is generated as a result of the Armenian NPP operation, and will also be generated during the decommissioning of the NPP. A relatively small amount of radioactive waste (institutional-type waste) is generated also from non-nuclear applications, such as science, industry, healthcare and other sectors. Radioactive waste generated during the operation of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant and expected after its decommissioning, as well as institutional-type waste, requires safe and effective management to avoid long-term environmental risks and not leave an unnecessary burden on future generations. Thus, it is necessary to create a safe, reliable and flexible system for managing all types of radioactive waste accumulated and to be generated in the country, which will require the development and upgrade of the necessary infrastructure for long-term and safe management of radioactive waste, including the creation of a comprehensive legal framework. The Republic of Armenia has developed a Strategy for the Safe Management of Radioactive Waste, which includes: • Establishment of a National Operator, a body under the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure, responsible for long-term management of radioactive waste; • Introduction and implementation of the “polluter pays” principle, creation of a special “off-budget” account; • Implementation of measures to keep the generation of radioactive waste at the lowest possible level, as well as strengthening the control over it; • Study of the possibility of disposing of the radioactive waste in geological formations; • Improvement of the system for the processing and storage of radioactive waste, personnel training and development/upgrade of radioactive waste electronic recording system. For the implementation of the provisions stipulated in the strategy, a working group comprised of professionals specialised in radioactive waste management was formed by the Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure, in 2020. The aim of the group is to facilitate the implementation of the Strategy provisions for the Safe Management of Radioactive Waste in the Republic of Armenia. Work has begun on upgrading radioactive waste management systems at the Armenian NPP, as well as improving the overall legislative framework. The establishment of a National Waste Management Operator is of vital importance. NATIONAL OPERATOR Many countries operating nuclear power plants (e.g. Slovakia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Bulgaria, France, etc.) have a special organisation, the National Operator, which deals with the radioactive waste long-term and sustainable management related issues. The National Operator coordinates and organises the collection of financial resources necessary for the management of radioactive waste, scientific and investment work activities, human resources management and recruiting, construction of various radioactive waste management facilities, etc. In different international platforms (IAEA), the Republic of Armenia is asked regarding steps aimed at organizing the long-term and sustainable radioactive waste management system in the Republic of Armenia. This is also a request from the Conventions ratified by the Republic of Armenia and the IAEA safety standards. Therefore, the creation of a National Operator is a necessary and priority step that should be implemented by the Government of the Republic of Armenia and the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure, contributing towards having the long-term safe management system of existing and emerging radioactive waste in Armenia, as well as meeting the requirements of international conventions, IAEA safety standards, relevant EU directives, and regulatory requirements in force in the Republic of Armenia.
A technical meeting organized by the Nuclear and Radiation Safety Center and the Oak Ridge National Laboratory was held in Yerevan. The meeting aimed at presenting interested parties with the progress of preparatory work related to the removal of high-activity radioactive sources and transfer to the storage facility. High-activity radioactive sources have been in Armenia since the Soviet era and are no longer in use. For decades, they have been stored in a bunker at a scientific research institute, but now there is a need to move them to a safer storage facility. Armenia lacks experience in this area. For the first time, the Nuclear and Radiation Safety Center has developed a plan for their removal and transportation from the bunker in compliance with the highest safety standards. The Center is cooperating with a specialized US laboratory, whose specialists were invited to Armenia to discuss the program. The preparatory stage includes a thorough inspection of the site, an assessment of the necessary materials and equipment, as well as a detailed development of a safety plan. It is essential to minimize risks to the personnel involved, the public, and the environment throughout the process. The meeting was attended by representatives of the National Security Service, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant, the Nuclear Safety Regulatory Committee of the Republic of Armenia, Radioactive Waste Storage CJSC(RADON), as well as specialists from the Nuclear and Radiation Safety Center. This initiative is part of ongoing efforts to ensure global nuclear safety, security and responsible management of radioactive materials. Both Armenia and the United States emphasize the importance of international cooperation in reducing nuclear risks.
