User:Hegrine/sandbox

In Armenia, approximately 43% of electricity is generated from one nuclear reactor located in Metsamor, near the capital city of Armenia, Yerevan. This NPP is the only one in the South Caucasus. The country’s Nuclear Power Plant was constructed in 1979; it consists of two reactors of VVER-440 type with an installed capacity of 407.5 MW each. Currently, only one unit is being operated. The NPP is managed by a Russian company United Energy Systems (UES).

History
The decision to build a nuclear power plant in Armenia was taken in August 1966. In August 1969 the project was approved by the Council of Ministers of the USSR. The main challenge in designing the NPP has been linked to high seismicity of the area. However, it was decided to construct such a plant that will persist up to a 9-magnitude earthquake. In December 6, 1988, a powerful earthquake occurred in Spitak city (near Metsamor). Due to safety concerns regarding seismic vulnerability it was decided by the Council of Ministers of the USSR to stop the operation of the NPP in 1989. The first unit was closed on 25 February, and the second unit was shut down on 18 March.

After the collapse of the USSR, severe economic and energy crisis weakened Armenia. Because of that, in 1993, the Armenian Government decided to relaunch the second unit of the NPP. This was achieved in November, 1995, after 6.5 years of shutdown. The reopening of the NPP was essential for Armenia. It helped to provide a constant supply of electricity to residents.