YEREVAN. – The launch of the Russian project toward extending the operation of the Armenian nuclear power plant has slightly delayed.

Deputy Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Hayk Harutyunyan stated the above-said during his report at Monday’s joint session of the National Assembly committees, and regarding the “performance” of the 2015 State Budget of Armenia.

In his words, it was planned to provide a 10.5 billion-dram (approx. $21,974,820) loan within the framework of the Russian government loan program, and 3.7 billion drams (approx. $7,743,508) of this amount has already been implemented. 

In addition, a total of 3.1 billion drams (approx. $6,487,804) were planned to be allocated with a grant program, but no respective spending has yet been made. 

This was primarily due to the fact that the Russian finance ministry had approved the relevant work contracts with delay.

“Notwithstanding this, work has already begun, and we are not behind schedule,” added Harutyunyan.  

In line with this project, the operation of the second unit of the Armenian nuclear plant will be extended until the end of 2026.