Armenia and Rosatom discuss nuclear plant extension and new unit

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev met in Yerevan to discuss the future of Armenia’s nuclear energy infrastructure. The discussions focused on two primary objectives: extending the operational lifespan of the existing Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant and the potential construction of a new nuclear power unit.

Likhachev expressed Rosatom’s readiness to support extending the current plant's operation until 2046, noting that while technical possibilities exist, economic viability must be established. Regarding new infrastructure, Rosatom presented proposals for various scales of power units, including small- and medium-capacity options.

Prime Minister Pashinyan stated that the Armenian government is currently reviewing proposals from multiple international partners. He emphasized that the final decision regarding a new nuclear unit will be based on economic factors, including price, quality, safety, timelines, and guarantees, and is expected to be made in the near future.