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US backs building of new nuclear power plant in Armenia: official
Yerevan (AFP) Nov 21, 2007 The United States is backing Armenian plans to build a new atomic power station by 2016 to replace a Soviet-era nuclear plant that has raised safety concerns, a US diplomat said Wednesday. "The US government supports the building of a new plant not only to improve your energy security, but also because of continuing concerns regarding the safety of the existing nuclear plant in Armenia," US charge d'affaires to Armenia Joseph Pennington told reporters. Pennington on Wednesday signed an agreement with Energy Minister Armen Movsisian to conduct joint studies on the feasibility and environmental impact of building a new nuclear power plant in Armenia. He said the studies could eventually be used to convince foreign investors to help finance a new plant, which Armenia has pledged to build by 2016. Armenia relies on the Soviet-built Metzamor plant, 30 kilometres (18 miles) west of the capital Yerevan, for 40 percent of its electricity needs. The European Union has pleaded with Armenia to close the aging plant, which is in an area prone to earthquakes, and in 2004 offered to provide 100 million euros (148 million dollars) in compensatory aid. But Armenian officials say their landlocked and resource-poor country cannot afford to do without the plant, which also provides electricity for export to neighbouring Iran. The nuclear plant's two reactors were shut down temporarily in 1988 because of a major earthquake, but resumed operating in 1995 to help stave off a national energy crisis. Related Links Nuclear Power News - Nuclear Science, Nuclear Technology Powering The World in the 21st Century at Energy-Daily.com
SE Asian leaders back nuclear energy
Singapore (AFP) Nov 20, 2007Southeast Asian leaders offered their backing Tuesday for the use of nuclear energy despite concerns over safety in a region prone to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. |
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