The Armenian government is reviewing proposals from various countries for the construction of a new nuclear power plant, Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure David Khudatyan announced during a press conference on January 9. He emphasized that a final decision on the technological partner has not yet been made.
According to the minister, the government is evaluating nuclear power plant designs from Russia, the United States, and other nations. Particular focus is being placed on the economic feasibility of the projects and their implementation timelines.
To oversee this strategic initiative, the government has established a specialized organization under the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure. The organizational structure and budget for the new entity have been approved, with staffing set to begin soon.
This organization will conduct a comprehensive analysis of the proposals, finalize the selection of the nuclear plant model, develop technical specifications, and oversee the construction process. Minister Khudatyan noted that the organization will manage the project from inception to the commissioning of the plant.
The minister assured that the government is making every effort to expedite the project's implementation, though the specific timeline for construction will depend on the chosen nuclear plant model.
Previously, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced a strategic decision to build a small modular nuclear power plant (SMR) in Armenia. This choice reflects the enhanced safety features of SMRs, which experts say limit the impact of potential accidents to a 500-meter radius, posing no broader threat.
Armenia's current nuclear power plant, the Metsamor NPP, supplies about one-third of the country's energy needs. Its operational life was extended to 2036 after a modernization effort, but it is scheduled for decommissioning and replacement thereafter.
At present, Metsamor relies on Russia's Rosatom for fuel supplies and technological upgrades. However, in August, the Armenian government created a state-owned company to manage the construction of a new nuclear unit to replace the existing plant.
Over the next two years, the newly formed company is expected to present a detailed plan for the new nuclear power plant, including the selection of the technology supplier and the plant's capacity. Armenian officials have previously indicated interest in exploring partnerships with China, Russia, South Korea, and the United States.
