ArmInfo. Armenia plans to decide on the model of a new nuclear power plant (NPP) in early 2027. Armenian Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure David Khudatyan announced this in a conversation with journalists on the sidelines of the COP17 leaders' summit, which is being held under the motto "Leaders for Nature."
Speaking about whether Armenia has decided on the type of future nuclear power plant, the Armenian official reiterated that proposals from several countries are currently being studied. "In the initial stage, we are considering the possibility of constructing a nuclear power plant using small modular reactors. Proposals have been received from several countries, and we are currently studying them. We will make a decision on the model in early 2027 and announce it. After that, we will move on to the practical stage," Khudatyan said.
In parallel with preparations for the construction of the new nuclear power plant, the head of Armenia's Ministry of Regional Development noted that the country intends to extend the life of the existing Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant. In this regard, he recalled that the previous program to extend the plant's life by 10 years has already been completed. "Currently, the Armenian nuclear power plant has been removed from the country's power grid for six months as part of the life extension program," the minister noted.
Khudatyan emphasized that the key principle is to ensure the operation of the Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant until the new nuclear power plant is built and connected to the country's power grid. "We have at least 10 years to implement these plans, and I believe that if we maintain the current pace of work, no problems will arise," the minister concluded.
As a reminder, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan previously stated that there is scope to extend the service life of Unit 2 of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant for another 10 years beyond 2036, and, if necessary, until 2046. A decision on a new plant must be made within this timeframe. Nuclear reactor models proposed by Russia, the United States, France, China, and South Korea are being studied. He emphasized the importance of conducting research into the international nuclear technology market and choosing the right plant.
It is worth noting that the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant underwent scheduled maintenance from May to September of this year. During this period, the main work on the second program to extend the life of the second power unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant was carried out. $165 million, saved as a result of the first extension program, was allocated to this task. At the beginning of the year, the country's authorities announced the adoption of a conceptual decision on the construction of a nuclear power plant with small modular reactors, but already in October of this year, Pashinyan did not rule out the construction of a conventional nuclear power plant.
