Ankara warns against extending lifespan of Armenia's nuclear plant

Ankara on Wednesday warned against Armenia's descision to extend the operation of its nuclear power plant close to Turkish borders, saying the plant does not meet the requirements of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

"We don't find it a right choice to operate the Metsamor nuclear power Plant because of its environmental risks, the age and the condition of the plant and its non-adherence to the directives of IAEA," Turkish Energy Minister Taner Yildiz told an international energy and environment conference.

The Armenian government said on Tuesday that it voted to extend the lifespan of its nuclear plant in the country until 2026, which is located 16 km from the Turkish border and was built during the 1970s.

The official Anatolia news agency quoted Yildiz as saying: "Turkey took some steps to oppose the operation of Metsamor nuclear power plant just after the Armenian decision."

He said that if Armenia defends its position and claims that without the Metsamor nuclear power plant, Armenia would be without electricity, Turkey believes that there are other solutions to meet its electricity needs.

The Metsamor facility produces around 40 percent of Armenia's electricity. Armenia is relying on foreign energy resources to build a new nuclear plant, estimated to cost around five billion U.S. dollars.

The plant was constructed with two VVER-440 Model V270 nuclear reactors. The Metsamor plant is one of just a few remaining nuclear power reactors that were built without primary containment structures.

The power plant was closed after the 1988 earthquake and reopened in 1993. The Unit 2 reactor was brought back into operation on October 26, 1995.

The plant has been operated by Russian company Inter RAO UES since 2003, as part of a five-year term to help pay off Armenia's debts.