Turkey renews calls to shut down Armenian NPP
Panarmenian.net
A protest in Turkey’s Iğdır saw 33 environmental and human rights organizations once again demand the closure of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant (NPP). The demonstration, held on June 1, was reported by energy expert Vahe Davtyan on his Facebook page, where he noted that such demands are not new.
Davtyan wrote: “Armenia’s ‘peaceful atom’ has long been a target of criticism from several Turkish entities attempting to portray the plant as an environmental threat to the region. However, they overlook the obvious facts regarding the plant’s technical condition and its international verification.”
The Armenian NPP operates under the continuous oversight of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and has undergone numerous regular inspections and specialized stress tests. During his 2023 visit to Armenia, IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi confirmed that the plant is operated in accordance with international standards.
Russia’s state corporation Rosatom played a crucial role in the plant’s modernization, enabling safe operation until at least 2036. The upgrade not only enhanced safety but also brought the facility in line with new energy efficiency and sustainability standards.
“It is evident that under the guise of ecological concerns, a systematic campaign continues against Armenia’s ‘peaceful atom,’” the post stated.
Earlier, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan emphasized at the first Nuclear Energy Summit in Brussels that Armenia, as a country relying on nuclear power, firmly supports the consensus that nuclear energy is indispensable in the fight against climate change.
