Armenia has not ruled out postponing the decision on a new nuclear power plant until 2027
11.06.2026,
13:00
The decision on the construction of a new nuclear power plant in Armenia may be postponed until 2027, stated RA Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure David Khudatyan.
YEREVAN, June 11. /ARKA/. The decision on the construction of a new nuclear power plant in Armenia may be postponed until 2027, stated RA Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure David Khudatyan.
During preliminary discussions of the annual report on the execution of the 2025 state budget, he noted that, if the program for the repeated extension of its operational life is successfully implemented, the existing Armenian Nuclear Power Plant (ANPP) could remain in the country's power grid until at least 2036.
According to him, the ANPP has been disconnected from the Armenian power grid since April 2026 for life extension work. "Such work is carried out annually, but every five years it takes longer. In this case, the disconnection from the power grid lasts about three months," the minister said.
He noted that the government is simultaneously continuing work on the construction of a new NPP.
"We have already decided on the model and type of the plant. The government has announced that Armenia will pursue the construction of a modular nuclear power plant," Khudatyan stated.
He added that Armenia has received proposals from various countries and is evaluating them from a technical, financial, and safety perspective.
"This technology is relatively new to the global energy sector, so we are in no rush to make a decision," the minister said.
Khudatyan noted that the financial component is key, as the cost of building a new nuclear power plant can significantly impact electricity tariffs.
"The financial parameters of proposals from different countries vary significantly. We understand that building a new nuclear power plant will have a significant impact on tariffs, so one of our key conditions is to obtain the most affordable price," he said.
According to the minister, this is precisely why the government is not rushing to make a final choice. He did not rule out postponing the decision until 2027.
"We are in no rush to make a decision. "I believe it will be postponed until 2027, since the life extension program for the existing plant gives us the necessary flexibility," Khudatyan noted.
About the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant
The Armenian Nuclear Power Plant is the only nuclear power plant in the South Caucasus region. It is located near the town of Metsamor, approximately 30 km west of Yerevan. The plant is one of the country's key sources of electricity, providing up to 40% of its total generation.
Armenian authorities plan to build a new nuclear power plant within 8-10 years. Various options and the experience of partners from the United States, France, China, Russia, and South Korea are currently being studied.
A preliminary feasibility study for the construction of a new 1200 MW unit, developed by the Rosatom state corporation, is already under review by the Armenian side.
Earlier, Rosatom First Deputy Director General Kirill Komarov, responding to a question from the ARKA news agency, stated that the corporation could offer Armenia nuclear reactors with capacities ranging from 50 to 1000 MW. He added that it is possible, in particular, to assemble a reactor of any capacity from 50 MW units.
During preliminary discussions of the annual report on the execution of the 2025 state budget, he noted that, if the program for the repeated extension of its operational life is successfully implemented, the existing Armenian Nuclear Power Plant (ANPP) could remain in the country's power grid until at least 2036.
According to him, the ANPP has been disconnected from the Armenian power grid since April 2026 for life extension work. "Such work is carried out annually, but every five years it takes longer. In this case, the disconnection from the power grid lasts about three months," the minister said.
He noted that the government is simultaneously continuing work on the construction of a new NPP.
"We have already decided on the model and type of the plant. The government has announced that Armenia will pursue the construction of a modular nuclear power plant," Khudatyan stated.
He added that Armenia has received proposals from various countries and is evaluating them from a technical, financial, and safety perspective.
"This technology is relatively new to the global energy sector, so we are in no rush to make a decision," the minister said.
Khudatyan noted that the financial component is key, as the cost of building a new nuclear power plant can significantly impact electricity tariffs.
"The financial parameters of proposals from different countries vary significantly. We understand that building a new nuclear power plant will have a significant impact on tariffs, so one of our key conditions is to obtain the most affordable price," he said.
According to the minister, this is precisely why the government is not rushing to make a final choice. He did not rule out postponing the decision until 2027.
"We are in no rush to make a decision. "I believe it will be postponed until 2027, since the life extension program for the existing plant gives us the necessary flexibility," Khudatyan noted.
About the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant
The Armenian Nuclear Power Plant is the only nuclear power plant in the South Caucasus region. It is located near the town of Metsamor, approximately 30 km west of Yerevan. The plant is one of the country's key sources of electricity, providing up to 40% of its total generation.
Armenian authorities plan to build a new nuclear power plant within 8-10 years. Various options and the experience of partners from the United States, France, China, Russia, and South Korea are currently being studied.
A preliminary feasibility study for the construction of a new 1200 MW unit, developed by the Rosatom state corporation, is already under review by the Armenian side.
Earlier, Rosatom First Deputy Director General Kirill Komarov, responding to a question from the ARKA news agency, stated that the corporation could offer Armenia nuclear reactors with capacities ranging from 50 to 1000 MW. He added that it is possible, in particular, to assemble a reactor of any capacity from 50 MW units.
