US and Armenia discuss cooperation in civilian nuclear energy - State Department

YEREVAN, April 6. /ARKA/. The European Union has already begun working closely on the diversification of Armenia’s nuclear energy, U.S. Assistant Secretary James O’Brien told a press briefing on Friday.

He said it includes safety and efficiency in the existing nuclear energy sources in Armenia. ‘Armenia is also an important country for the U.S. civil nuclear cooperation projects. The U.S. and Armenia are exploring opportunities in the area of civil nuclear energy cooperation. It builds on an agreement that was signed in 2022 on civil nuclear cooperation. And this will create the possibility of identifying a few specific projects that we will work on as we go forward,’ O’ Brien said.

‘So in the beginning, as Armenia weighs its replacement options (for the operating nuclear power plant), we’ll fund feasibility studies and engage in scientific exchanges to identify new opportunities and begin to explore financing options for Armenia’s diversification,’ he said.

‘Our new $8.6 million program will improve Armenia’s ability to access and integrate increased renewable energy. Further, contingency planning will provide Armenia a coordinated response in the event of supply disruptions, while improving energy efficiency. This funding will also strengthen Armenia’s ability to better manage critical cybersecurity vulnerabilities to the country’s energy infrastructure,’ he said.

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 and  South Korea is being studied. .-0-