Armenia to build small modular NPP: Pashinyan outlines nuances

YEREVAN, September 18 /ARKA/. The construction of a new nuclear power plant in Armenia is of great importance, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said at the Second World Armenian Summit.

"We have made a strategic decision to build a small modular nuclear power plant. Why? One of the important reasons is that accidents at modular nuclear power plants are considered emergencies of local significance, that is, in the event of an accident inside the nuclear power plant, there will be no threat beyond 500 meters," stated Pashinyan.

He noted that modular NPP technologies have reached the practical stage in some countries, including the United States, as well as France, South Korea, and Russia.

"We are working with partners on this issue... The only problem is that there are no operating modular NPPs in the world yet. There are those under construction at various stages that are not yet operational. But I am convinced that this is inevitable, these technologies have already matured, and their implementation is a matter of time," emphasized Pashinyan.

According to him, Armenia should have a modular-type nuclear power plant so that it is not perceived as a threat both inside and outside the country.

The Prime Minister touched upon the issue of energy independence and diversification. "There is no absolute independence in the energy sector, again we are talking about diversification. Solar energy is developing at an active pace in Armenia... We also want to master battery technologies, study the possibilities of "green hydrogen". We buy gas from Russia, import gas from Iran," said he.

Pashinyan said that Armenia may purchase gas from Azerbaijan in the future if peace is established in the region. "If we assume that a transit gas pipeline will pass through Armenia in the direction of Nakhichevan or Turkey, this option (of gas purchases) can also be allowed," noted Pashinyan.

About the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant

The Armenian NPP, the only one in the South Caucasus region, is located near the city of Metsamor, approximately 30 km west of Yerevan. The plant is one of the main sources of electricity in the country, providing up to 40% of the total output. Its service life has been extended until 2026, and work id underway to re-extend it for another 10 years.

It is planned to build a new NPP within 8-10 years; currently various options are being compared and the experience of partners from Russia, the USA, the South Korea is being studies. The Armenian side is already considering a preliminary feasibility study for the construction of a new 1200 MW unit developed by the Rosatom state corporation. -0-

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14:57 09/18/2024