Pashinyan: New nuclear power unit model selection  in Armenia  not influenced by political factors

ArmInfo. There are aspects that require clarification in the issue of Yerevan's search for a model for constructing a new nuclear power unit in Armenia. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan made this assessment on October 1 during a government hour in parliament.

"Based on the reaction of the international press, I understand that our position has either not been fully clarified or has not reached its intended recipients," he said.

According to Pashinyan, a strategic decision has already been made to build a small modular nuclear power plant. The next question is: with whom will Yerevan build the new nuclear power plant?

"We have asked all potential partners with similar technologies whether they will be offended if we discuss the issue with other partners. We were told they would not be offended. I am saying this because after every visit to Moscow, everyone wonders: does this mean we'll build with the Russian side? We sign a declaration with the US, and then we go to Moscow. They ask, "Why did you sign the declaration if you're going to Moscow?" It's the same with China. Meanwhile, we've very transparently stated that at this stage, we only need proposals," Pashinyan said.

The Prime Minister emphasized that discussions are currently underway with Russia, the US, France, South Korea, and China. However, there's no political component in all of this-the focus is on commercial and economic feasibility, Pashinyan concluded.

Recall, the Armenian government signed three memoranda of intent with the American side on August 8 in Washington, one of which includes cooperation in the energy sector. The latter envisages four areas of cooperation: civil nuclear energy, including small modular reactor (SMR) technologies; investment promotion to strengthen critical energy infrastructure, including the development of battery production plants for renewable energy sources; investment promotion in the modernization of Armenia's electricity transmission and distribution networks; and enhancing the cybersecurity of the energy infrastructure, including through technical assistance.

Meanwhile, a second program is currently underway at Unit 2 of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant (ANPP) to extend its service life by 10 years, until 2036. By that time, a new nuclear power unit is scheduled to be built in the country.

Armenia has not yet decided on the model of the new unit. Negotiations are underway with potential technology suppliers. Countries such as the United States, Russia, South Korea, and China have expressed interest in building a new NPP in Armenia. Back in July 2023, the Armenian government sent a working group to the United States to familiarize itself with American nuclear technologies, small modular reactors, and their developments. Pashinyan has repeatedly stated that a strategic decision has been made to build a small modular nuclear power plant. "Why? One important reason is that, as experts explained to us, accidents at modular nuclear power plants are considered emergencies of local significance, meaning that in the event of an accident at a nuclear power plant, there will be no threat beyond a 500-meter radius," Pashinyan stated.

On September 25, during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, Nikol Pashinyan said that Yerevan is currently working and searching for small modular nuclear power plant projects suitable for Armenia. "And, of course, we have a very active dialogue with Russia on this issue as well. We are cooperating very effectively with the Rosatom corporation," he said.