Armenia decides on format of new nuclear power plant but has not selected manufacturer
Armenia has not yet decided on either the model of the new modular nuclear power plant or the supplier country of the technology.
Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure David Khudatyan stated this to journalists in parliament.
Commenting on the question of whether the choice in favor of a modular nuclear power plant means continued cooperation with the United States on this project, the minister noted that the final decision has not yet been made.
"No, we have only decided on the type of the future station—it will be modular. There has been no choice of a specific model and manufacturer country yet," Khudatyan said.
According to him, the United States, France, Russia, South Korea, and China have submitted their proposals to Armenia. All options are currently under review.
Speaking about the Russian proposal, the minister noted that one of the proposed technologies is currently used on ships.
"All the listed countries offer various options for modular reactors. We are in no hurry to make a decision, since the operating Armenian nuclear power plant will be able to remain part of the country's energy system for a long time—at least until 2036," Khudatyan stated.
At the same time, he emphasized that this does not refer to the final term of the station's operation and that its operation could be extended for an additional period.
Recall that during the recent visit to Yerevan by U.S. Vice President James Di Vance, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced agreements reached on the modular nuclear power plant project. Following the talks, the parties signed agreements on cooperation in the field of peaceful nuclear energy.
In parallel, a project is being implemented to extend the operating life of the existing Armenian nuclear power plant. In 2023, the plant and Rosatom Service signed an agreement to carry out the relevant work, which should ensure its operation at least until 2036.
Earlier, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan did not rule out the possibility of further extending the operation of the power unit up to 2046.
Source: Sputnik Armenia
