Development of nuclear diplomacy for Armenia is a strategic task -  expert 

ArmInfo. The development of nuclear diplomacy for Armenia is a strategic task, taking into account the balance between national interests and international cooperation, political scientist Vahe Davtyan believes. 

At the same time, he is sure that in this matter Armenia should make  a choice in favor of Russia. "Russia's experience and readiness to  build both a large-capacity power unit and a nuclear power plant with  a small modular reactor provide Armenia with flexibility of choice.  However, a large nuclear power plant remains the most appropriate  option for meeting the growing energy needs of the country," Davtyan  believes.

In the context of promoting regional leadership, the expert noted  that given Armenia's unique experience in operating a nuclear power  plant in difficult seismic conditions, the country can become a  center of expertise for other states in the region.

Speaking about strengthening energy independence, Davtyan emphasized  that Russian support allows minimizing the risks associated with  energy shortages and reducing dependence on fossil fuel imports.

"The use of soft power, cooperation with the IAEA and participation  in international scientific programs will strengthen Armenia's  reputation as a responsible participant in the global nuclear  community," he noted.

Davtyan expressed confidence that the development of nuclear  diplomacy with an emphasis on cooperation with Russia gives Armenia a  unique opportunity to go beyond traditional energy policy and become  an important player in the international arena. "The choice in favor  of Russian technologies will not only ensure reliable energy supply,  but will also strengthen Armenia's geopolitical positions. Given the  current realities, a high-capacity power unit seems to be the most  optimal solution," the expert concluded.

The NPP operating in Armenia was supposed to be decommissioned in  2016, but its service life was extended until 2026. Then the  authorities decided to extend the service life of power unit N2 again  until 2036. By this date, a new nuclear power unit should be built in  the country, the question rests only on the capacity of the new NPP.  The authorities are more inclined to build a NPP with SMR, but if we  keep in mind that they are either at the design or licensing stage,  then their industrial production, according to experts, will take at  least 20 years, and Yerevan does not have the opportunity to wait  such a long period of time. Specialists and experts note that in the  context of the rapid development of the fifth industrial revolution  in the world, which will sooner or later spread to Armenia, the  country will need a station with a high capacity - up to 1200 MW.  Only the transfer of all motor transport in the republic to electric  vehicles will require capacities equal to the capacity of the  currently operating power unit of the Armenian NPP. To this we must  add the active development of the mining industry.