Located 16 kilometers from the Turkish border, the Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant frequently comes to the forefront of both Turkish and international media due to both the current and potential dangers it poses. Due to its location, the plant is positioned in a way that could affect several countries, creating concern for all countries in the region.

It is inevitable that nuclear power plants that do not comply with international standards will cause concern. It would not be unreasonable to assume that alleviating such concerns and ensuring that these facilities meet nuclear safety standards falls under the responsibility of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which is regarded as a reliable global institution. However, IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi made a statement on 5 December 2023, regarding the Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant, asserting that “the Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant is safe enough to continue operating in the coming years.” Referring to Türkiye’s calls for the plant’s closure, he added that “countries having ‘certain issues’ with their neighbors around the world tend to file such complaints to the IAEA,” thereby politicizing what constitutes a regional threat.[1] Such a politically charged statement in the face of a serious danger has made it necessary to recall the potential risks posed by the Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant.

Why Is the Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant Dangerous?

The first reactor of the Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant was built in 1976 during the Soviet Union era. Following the damage it sustained in the 1988 Spitak Earthquake and considering the potential risks, the rational decision was made to shut down the plant for a period of time. After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the economic difficulties that emerged led to a severe energy crisis in Armenia, and in order to meet the country’s energy needs, it was decided in 1993 to recommission the second reactor of the plant. After repairs, Metsamor was connected to the power grid in 1995.[2]

Built six years after the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, Metsamor is one of the oldest nuclear power plants in the world. Despite various maintenance efforts to extend its lifespan, the system has now become outdated and poses a threat not only to Armenia but to all countries in the region. The plant lacks a containment structure that prevents the potential spread of hazardous or harmful substances, and for this reason alone it constitutes a significant threat to the health of people living in the surrounding area.[3]

The Aras River is used to meet the cooling water needs of the plant. If the water level of the Aras River decreases, the cooling system may become inoperative, which could lead to serious danger. In addition, the discharge of wastewater used in cooling the reactor into the Aras River means that, in the event of a leak, all countries bordering the Caspian Sea -where the river ultimately flows- as well as the ecosystem, could be affected by radioactive waste.[4]

The recent February 6 earthquake that hit Türkiye and Syria has once again reminded us of how destructive earthquakes can be. Considering that Metsamor is located on the Ağrı Mountain fault line, a potential earthquake could cause a regional disaster.

As can be seen, the dangers posed by the Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant are a direct threat not only to Armenia but also to regional countries such as Türkiye, Azerbaijan, and Iran. Türkiye has repeatedly warned Armenia about the dangers of the plant, but these warnings have been ignored for both economic and political reasons.

The danger posed by the Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant is a regional and ecological issue that goes beyond all political considerations. Like many countries in the region, Türkiye feels the threat posed by Metsamor very closely. For this reason, Grossi's non-technical statement, which is far from reassuring for the countries in the region, does not correspond with the responsible conduct expected of the IAEA. Meeting regional country’s expectations depends on ensuring that the plant is rigorously inspected for compliance with nuclear safety standards and that the necessary steps are taken to ensure safety of the region.

*Picture: ArmenPress History - https://history.armenpress.am/photos/5168- հայկական-ատոմային-էլեկտրակայան.html