ArmInfo. Armenia is a country with an excess electric power system, largely due to the presence of a nuclear power plant within its territory, as stated by Vahe Davtyan, a Doctor of Political Sciences and Professor, on November 29 at the second forum "Russia - Armenia" in Moscow.
According to him, the Armenian NPP, built during Soviet times, is the only facility of its kind in the South Caucasus. Davtyan highlighted the strategic importance of the nuclear power plant for the Armenian economy, emphasizing that it is a unique facility that continues to function despite constant external pressures. According to the professor, the work carried out at the station to modernize the second power unit allowed for its service life to be extended until 2036. Nevertheless, the ANPP remains the target of attacks from Turkey, Azerbaijan and several Western countries. "Six months ago, Ankara appealed to the International Atomic Energy Agency with a demand to impose sanctions against Armenia in order to close the plant," Davtyan emphasized.
He also pointed out that the pressure on the ANPP is part of a broader geopolitical competition unfolding around Armenia. "Today, the nuclear power plant has become the epicenter of the struggle for influence, and this affects not only energy issues, but also the country's sovereignty," Davtyan noted, pointing in particular to two projects that are being considered by the Armenian government. One of them, proposed by the United States, concerns the construction of a small modular nuclear power plant with a capacity of 100- 150 megawatts.
The second project was developed by the Russian state corporation Rosatom and envisages the construction of a large unit with a capacity of 1000-1200 MW. "These are two completely different approaches. If in the first case we are dealing with an experimental option, then in the second case it is a continuation of traditions and a real prospect for country's development," Davtyan said. He stated that the lack of a strategic decision on this issue is harmful to national interests. "We are dealing with a situation where the indecisiveness of the leadership is turning the Armenian nuclear power plant into a tool of pressure. This affects not just the political aspect, but also the economic and energy sovereignty of Armenia," he emphasized, citing Lithuania as an example, which closed its nuclear power plant after joining the EU and became entirely reliant on external electricity supplies.
According to the expert, the proposal from is more beneficial and promising for Armenia. "A nuclear power plant is the foundation on which the country's energy security is built. In addition, a large power unit will allow Armenia not only to meet domestic needs, but also to become a player in external electricity markets," he noted. Davtyan also mentioned the project to establish the North-South electric power corridor, aimed at connecting the electric power systems of Armenia, Russia, Georgia and Iran. "The Armenian nuclear power plant plays a crucial role in this project. It provides us with an opportunity to enhance our influence in the region and reach a new level of cooperation. Armenia should not be seen as a field for experiments. The nuclear power plant is more than just an energy source, it symbolizes our independence, our strength and our potential," Vahe Davtyan concluded.
