Armenian Prime Minister Responds to Aliyev's Remarks on Closure of Armenian Nuclear Power Plant
YEREVAN, August 13. /ARКА/. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan addressed today a statement made by Azerbaijani President regarding the Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant in Armenia, asserting that it 'must be closed sooner or later.'
Pashinyan emphasized during a press briefing that the decision to close the Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant, marking the end of its operational life, is also stipulated in international treaties that Armenia entered into prior to his administration.
He further highlighted that the plans of investors to establish new artificial intelligence facilities in Armenia, particularly with the launch of the Firebird AI factory in Hrazdan, are prompting the nation to reassess its current energy strategies to meet the demands of this evolving landscape.
Moreover, the Prime Minister clarified that Armenia's primary goal is to achieve 100% energy independence, factoring in the development of solar energy and energy storage systems. 'However, this does not imply that we will isolate ourselves from international electricity trade. There will be times when we export and times when we import. We can also forge partnerships and collaborate with Azerbaijan, including the exchange of electricity, just as we do with other nations—Turkey, Iran, Georgia, and others,' Pashinyan remarked.
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.The service life of the existing second power unit of the Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant was previously extended until 2026. A program for a further 10-year extension, until 2036, is currently underway. The work is being carried out with the participation of Rusatom Service (a division of Russian Rosatom Corporation).
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 explored.
A preliminary feasibility study for the construction of a new 1,200 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 1,000 MW. He added that it is possible, in particular, to assemble a reactor of any capacity from 50 MW units. -0-
