Only Russia and China build modular nuclear reactors: IAEA Deputy Director on prospects for Armenia (EXCLUSIVE)

YEREVAN, April 4. /ARKA/. International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Deputy Director General and Head of the IAEA Nuclear Energy Department Mikhail Chudakov in an interview with ARKA news agency spoke about the advantages of small modular reactors, in which Armenian authorities are showing interest.
"Small modular reactors are quite a promising direction, and many countries in the world are now planning to design and build such reactors for themselves," he said.
According to him, there are not many proposals in the market at the moment - there are about 80 such projects on paper in 20 countries, but only Russia and China actually make them.
"Moreover, Russian proposal is based on already existing reactors, which were tested for decades and used on icebreakers. Russia is also building land-based reactors on their basis," the IAEA Deputy Director noted.
Chudakov confirmed that the modular reactors already utilized by Russia in terms of capacity may well suit Armenia's needs as well.
"Russia can offer Armenia such reactors. Other countries can also offer them, but they do not have a pilot project, and the pilot project and the first one built may differ significantly from those that will go into series. There are very good projects in the UK, South Korea, but they are not done yet. It is necessary to build and demonstrate normal and safe operation, and then sell to other countries," Chudakov stated.
Earlier, Kirill Komarov, First Deputy Director General of Rosatom, told ARKA news agency that the corporation can offer Armenia nuclear reactors with capacity from 50 to 1000 MW.
About Armenian NPP
The Armenian NPP, the only one in the South Caucasus region, is located near the town of Metsamor, about 30 kilometers west of Yerevan. The plant is one of the main sources of electricity in the country, providing up to 40% of the total generation. Its service life has been extended until 2026, and work is underway to re-extend it for another 10 years.
The construction of a new plant is estimated to take 8-10 years. Now different variants are being compared and experience of partners from Russia, USA, South Korea is being studied. The Armenian side is already considering the preliminary feasibility study for the construction of a new 1200 MW unit developed by Rosatom State Corporation.
Earlier, Kirill Komarov, First Deputy Director General of Rosatom told ARKA that the corporation can offer Armenia nuclear reactors with capacity from 50 to 1000 MW.-0-