"In technical and economic studies for the construction of a new nuclear power plant in Armenia, American organizations are participating, while cooperation with Russia continues," said Deputy Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure of Armenia Hakob Vardanyan as reported by Armenpress.
In early April 2024, the United States expressed readiness to support Armenia in developing nuclear energy and ensuring energy security.
"Within the framework of the construction of a new nuclear power block/blocks in Armenia, technical and economic studies are being conducted, with the participation of American organizations," said the deputy minister who oversees the energy sector.
Moreover, he mentioned that cooperation between Armenia and Russia in this area is ongoing.
"Cooperation between the Republic of Armenia and the Russian Federation is continuous and currently continues in several directions in the field of energy. Cooperation with any state is not considered and cannot be considered at the expense of another state," he said.
According to Vardanyan, technical and economic studies are currently underway to understand which technology and power plant capacity would be most effective and economically viable for Armenia.
On April 5, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen discussed prospects for Armenia's economic development in Brussels. Following the meeting, US Deputy Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs James O'Brien stated that the US is ready to support the development of nuclear energy in Armenia and ensure energy security.
"We propose two directions. Studying the safety and efficiency of the existing nuclear power plant is a priority. The Armenia-US partnership is considering options for possible energy cooperation in the nuclear sphere. Scientific exchange is needed to study potential research components. Subsequently, questions about the replacement of the nuclear power plant and, finally, an assessment of the financial aspect will follow," noted James O'Brien.
In June 2023, an interdepartmental working group was established in Armenia for the construction of a new nuclear power block. The operation period of the existing Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant has been extended until 2036. In recent years, the station has undergone technical modernization aimed at extending its operational life.
