ANKARA
Turkey's energy minister said Wednesday that Metsamor, Armenia's sole nuclear plant, does not meet the directives of the International Atomic Energy Agency.
The Armenian government announced Tuesday that it voted to extend the lifespan of the country’s only nuclear plant until 2026.
"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 International Atomic Energy Agency," said Taner Yildiz, during the opening session of the 21st International Energy and Environment Fair and Conference, ICCI 2015, in Istanbul.
The Metsamor facility, only 16 kilometers from the Turkish border, was built during the 1970s.
Yildiz said that Turkey cannot accept the fact that they wish to operate it in its current condition just across the Turkish border just because Armenia has energy needs.
"Turkey took some steps to oppose the operation of Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant just after the Armenian decision," he underlined.
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 $5 billion.
