YEREVAN, JUNE 5, NOYAN TAPAN. 4.5 billion USD will be spent on construction of the new nuclear power plant in Armenia. RA Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Armen Movsisian told reporters on June 3 that as a result of the assessment made 7-8 years ago, the matter concerned 800 million USD. However, according to the minister, several factors, first of all, the sharp rise in prices of metals in the international market, have contributed to the increase of this sum. Besides, in his words, demand for nuclear plants has sharply grown in the world: there are now orders for construction of nearly 50 new nuclear plants. However, there are no capacities for production of nuclear equipment assemblies in the world so the demand has led to an increase in equipment prices, great demand for respective experts, and longer periods of implementation. "Naturally, this affects the price formation mechanisms," the minister underlined. He said that a nuclear plant with a capacity of up to 1,200 megawatts, a passive safety system and the refueling period of at least 18 months will be built in Armenia. The capacity of the operating Metsamor nuclear plant is 400 megawatts, its safety systems are active, and refueling of nuclear fuel is done every 12 months. It was mentioned that there is much to be done before the start of the new nuclear power plant's construction - in connection with orders for the necessary equipment and its installation. To recap, WorleyParsons international consortium (Australia) was announced the winner of the tender for implementation of the construction project of the new nuclear power unit in Armenia. The Armenian government and the indicated organization have already signed a 459.7 million-dollar agreement that envisages design and control work, advisory services, etc. The minister said that WorleyParsons will set up a company in Armenia, and 25% plus 1 share of its shares will belong to the government, which means that the government will be able to participate in the management process of the new nuclear power plant.

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