Within the period of October 26-29, 2021 the ANPP has hosted a follow-up mission «The Safety Aspects of Long-Term Operation» (SALTO): it is a comprehensive but non-supervisory safety review, and considers the strategy and main stages of the long-term operation of nuclear power plants..

It is noteworthy that the mission took place this year, when large-scope modernization activities were carried out at the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant aimed at improving safety, as a result of which the decision was taken to extend the design life till 2026.

During the four-day visit, the team of experts carried out reviews in a number of areas, taking into account the development of LTO programmes/activities and their compliance with the IAEA safety standards, as well as the suggestions submitted during previous SALTO missions (2013, 2016 and 2018). In addition to the team work performed, they also performed a tour of the plant territory, got familiarized in the field with the upgraded and new equipment of the main control unit and of the reactor control and protection system, and in the controlled area - with the upgraded systems responsible for the safe operation of the reactor.

In the course of the team work, the experts confirmed that, on the basis of the findings and conclusions of the previous 2018 mission, a considerable amount of work has been done in the area of ageing management at the ANPP. Definitely, the work to be done does not end there: the plant continues, in a consistent manner, to carry out activities aimed at safe operation. The mission results will identify the challenges and tasks that the ANPP must face in order to increase ageing management efficiency and ensure its compliance with the IAEA safety standards.

Upon completion of the mission the expert team submitted a preliminary report to the management of the nuclear power plant and the Regulatory Authority: it is subject to review. Following potential changes, suggestions and justifications the final version of the document within 3 months will be submitted to the ANPP, the RA SC for NSR and the RA Government.