Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan reaffirmed the country's commitment to the development of nuclear energy, calling it a key element of energy security. At the Second Nuclear Energy Summit in Paris, he announced a long-term program to extend the life of the Armenian NPP until 2036, which will create a basis for the construction of a new power unit. Special attention is paid to small modular reactor technologies, which promise rapid commissioning and flexibility in increasing capacity.
Pashinyan emphasized that the choice of technologies is based on reliability, long-term sustainability and strict nuclear safety standards. Armenia is actively interacting with international partners, evaluating proposals and relying on the experience of domestic specialists who, over the years of operation of the nuclear power plant, have not allowed a single safety-related incident.
Under a recently signed agreement with the United States, rules for cooperation in peaceful atom are enshrined, including the supply of technologies and equipment worth up to $5 billion, as well as financing of fuel and maintenance up to $4 billion. The Armenian nuclear power plant in Metsamor remains the country's largest source of electricity, covering about 40% of consumption, and work on its re-prolongation continues.
