Armenian Nuclear Power Plant modernization project is the outcome of  a trusting partnership between Armenia, the Rosatom State  Corporation, and other international partners: Pashinyan

ArmInfo.Armenia intends to further develop close cooperation with the IAEA and partner countries to determine the optimal solution for replacing the  existing power unit, taking into account economic efficiency, safety,  and the specific characteristics and nature of the country's energy  system, as stated by Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan in his  address at the Global Atomic Forum in Moscow on September 25.

As Pashinyan noted, nuclear energy plays a key role in ensuring a  stable and clean energy supply. It helps reduce carbon dioxide  emissions and supports low-carbon development goals. The widespread  adoption of digital technologies and artificial intelligence is  leading to a significant increase in electricity consumption.  This,  in turn, increases the relevance of nuclear energy as a stable and  environmentally friendly energy source. In the future, nuclear energy  will become an important element of a sustainable energy balance.   "At the same time, every effort must be made to ensure nuclear safety  and security. Armenia takes its international obligations seriously  and reaffirms its commitment to the standards and principles of the  international non-proliferation regime," he emphasized.

Taking these considerations into account, the Armenian government has  approved a policy to maintain the nuclear power plant as a vital  component of the country's electricity balance. Today, approximately  30% of all electricity in Armenia is generated by the Armenian  Nuclear Power Plant.  " Armenian Nuclear Power Plant's safe operation   is a strategic priority for the Armenian government, playing a  central role in ensuring our energy security, fulfilling nationally  determined targets under the Paris Agreement, and supporting national  economic growth. The strategic importance of nuclear energy places a  special responsibility on us for both present and future  generations." "We are making every effort to maintain the highest  safety standards during the operation of the Armenian Nuclear Power  Plant," the Armenian Prime Minister said.

In this spirit, inspection and expert assessment missions are  regularly conducted, the reports of which clearly demonstrate that  Armenia operates the NPP in accordance with IAEA safety standards, as  evidenced by the absence of any incidents related to nuclear or  radiation safety. This principle has underpinned the large-scale  modernization carried out at the plant in recent years, enabling us  to extend its service life until 2026," he continued.

"Based on this experience, Armenia, like many other countries, has  decided to further extend the service life of its NPP from 2026 to  2036. The modernization and extension of the Armenian Nuclear Power  Plant project is not simply a technical undertaking, but the outcome  of Armenia's fruitful and trusting partnership with the Rosatom State  Corporation and other international partners." This extension will  lay a solid foundation for a smooth transition to a new power unit  upon completion of the extended life of the Armenian NPP, which is  our ultimate goal. In this context, Armenia intends to further  develop close cooperation.

"We are collaborating with the IAEA and partner countries to  determine the optimal solution for replacing the existing power unit,  taking into account economic efficiency, safety, and the specific  characteristics and nature of the country's energy system. New energy  facilities being commissioned will become an important factor in  regional development," Pashinyan stated.  According to him, the  transparent policy of the Armenian authorities in  safe and peaceful  use of nuclear energy remains the foundation for exploring advanced  nuclear technologies. Non-energy applications of nuclear  technologies, such as medicine, ecology, agriculture, science, and  education, are also important.

"We gratefully acknowledge the support and expert assistance,  knowledge, and recommendations from the IAEA and partner countries,  which play a vital role in the development of these sectors in our  country. We hope that mutually beneficial cooperation with  international partners in the peaceful use of nuclear energy will  continue to develop and strengthen." Together we can create a  sustainable future for our countries by focusing our efforts on  developing new technologies, improving security, and protecting the  environment," the Armenian Prime Minister concluded.