There are several ways to generate electricity.
In most cases, a motive force is required to turn a turbine, which is connect
Or, subscribe now for unlimited access
By submitting your email address you agree for Hairenik Association, Inc. to send you communication by email.
Already a subscriber?Log in here
This story is FREE for you...
Create a free account to access this and four more articles, and get more sent to you with our e-newsletter.By submitting your email address you agree for Hairenik Association, Inc. to send you communication by email.
Thank you for this useful and intelligent article by Mr. Kalantari.
I hope Armenia listens to the Diaspora’s scientists, but I fear it does not.
The Diaspora is a resource that is being vastly underutilized by Armenia. I hope Nikol Pashinyan realizes this. I fear he does not.
I do like the author’s idea of putting power plants under ground where they are less vulnerable to attacks by certain of Armenia’s genocidal neighbors.
you are welcome Dave. Armenia also has many great scientists, including many in the field of nuclear science and nuclear power technology. In fact Metzamor is operated by all Armenian engineers, technicians, operators, etc. Very impressive for a small country with only one operating nuclear power plant to have such resources. So Armenia has the talent to operate these reactors, the challenge for the Armenian government is to find the best financing options for the project.
what if it blows…..
The reality of the present issue is so obvious. The most cost effective delivery of energy will be replacing the present nuclear source with another. Armenia is just starting to emerge as an independent entity and it’s youth will replace the old oligarchy. Make Armenia energy independent. Plan for another nuclear reactor, one built by Americans.
I agree with Dr. Berjian to built a new reactor by Americans. In fact America has a very close to be licensed Small Modular Reactor designed by NuScale Power in Oregon. The challenge for Armenia will be the political consequence to chose a non-Russian designed reactor. Otherwise, the American designed and built reactors are the best choice for Armenia.
The proposed end of life date for Medzamor is 2026, only eight years away. In that time Mr. Kalantari proposes to select one of 20 small modular reactor designs (SMR), have it progressed from conceptual to construction design, licensed, financed, and built. A forbidding undertaking indeed in less than a decade! Especially for the first of its type being built!
The World Nuclear Association says that “licensing is a challenge for SMRs. Design certification, construction and operation licence costs are not necessarily less than for large reactors, placing a major burden on developers and proponents.”
In contrast, 500 MW of solar, 500 MW of wind, and 1500 MWh of battery storage to carry the country through the nights when the wind does not blow could be designed, bid, and built in three to five years. And it will likely be for a fraction of what the reactor power would cost, if it ever got built and online. In contrast, renewable technologies are guaranteed to become cheaper every year, as they and their factories become more efficient.
References:
http://www.world-nuclear.org/information-library/nuclear-fuel-cycle/nuclear-power-reactors/small-nuclear-power-reactors.aspx
https://cleantechnica.com/2018/06/14/new-us-solar-record-2-155-cents-per-kwh-400-mwh-of-energy-storage/
Renewable energy sources should be part of Armenia’s energy portfolio, but cannot be the only source. And with regard to building wind and solar and battery storage of 1500MW, really; do you think you can run a country with wind and solar and battery storage. Do you know that the entire country of US has about 500MW of battery storage capacity and these units, 1MW to 2MW units are used by local municipalities during pick hours to save money and not to pay a premium for spot electricity prices. And do you know how much each 1MW battery cost, $1.5M to $2M. With all do respect, I suggest before you make any meaningful comment, please do your research more carefully and provide a solution with backed up facts.
What do we expect from a nuclear advocate. How about renewables like Germany. Time to retire the old elephant before a catastrophe happens
I am advocate of all technologies that will work and provide practical, uninterrupted and reliable electric energy source to Armenia, and as I said it my article, Armenia should look into exploring all technologies that will work are practical. Keep in mind that one technology may be practical and work for one country and not other. And speaking of renewable energy, do you realize that burning wood is considered renewable energy source? Do you realize that burning methane gas that is emitted from landfills (a very low grade gas that is full of pollution emitting stuff) is also considered renewable sources in some countries? And did you know that Germany is still using the dirtiest coal, called Lignite to generate electricity, in addition to hard coal and natural gas, and did you know that Germany still has 7 nuclear power plants running, and they imports some of their electricity from the neighboring counties that generate power from nuclear? So Germany is from being 100% renewable.
It is vital to the country to have and control essentials for the nation, in my opinion they are POWER(ELECTRICITY), WATER,EDUCATION. In summery essentials take priority over any other needs, I hope Armenia does not become an unreliable country in the eyes of the world, with unreliability of political driven issues.Regardless is important to be proactive and not to start when panic bottom is activated. WE MUST PUT ELECTRICITY REQUIREMENT AS ABSOLUTE NUMBER 1… Hope the politicians recognise the issue. I wish all the best.GOD BLESS ARMENIA.
I am not in favor of a nuclear power plant in R.A. The government should concentrate in making the country more energy efficient in all aspects, whether buildings, industry, and so on, by using insulation, solar panels, digital controls, smart meters and controls, a.i., etc. As far as power generation, use of gas turbines, solar panels, wind farms should be enough to complement what is existing generation.
I agree with you that yes we need another nuclear power plant. In fact the liquid metal reactors are far more energy efficient, they do have technical challenges but they are the pinnacle of nuclear design. The expertise and the knowledge in nuclear technology is available and armenia will retain the nuclear physics and nuclear energy talent in the country. But as you said, the decision needs to be bold and pragmatic and decided in a timely manner.
I agree that there are many options for Small Modular Reactors, including liquid metal cooler reactors, but the problem is that some of these designs are far from completion, design certification and licensing. The pressurized water reactors, like NuScale Power design are based on known technologies and should be available to the market soon. I am all for other technologies and Armenia and world should consider building such reactors when they become available.
The Op-Ed presented is short, to the point and makes it easy for readers who are not in this field understand the importance of this issue.
Thank you for that. As noted, just below the title, the problem is the outdated plant. The existing plant has provided a much-needed service during very difficult times. A land locked country with hostile neighbors to the east and west, without fossil fuel resources doesn’t have too many options. The power plant needs to be replaced. The small modular nuclear power plant (SMRs) is an excellent solution.
Since this issue plays such a vital and essential role on a national level, the new political leadership will have to work overtime. They need to take into consideration all possible suppliers of SMRs. The final choice will have to rest on affordability and the abilities of the Armenian engineers, technicians, operators to take care and manage the new plant. Since Armenia has such capable talent in the nuclear field we can rely on them to make the best choices. While we observe and provide guidance and support when needed.