On March 25, Eduard Martirosyan, the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant General Director, revealed that Armenia is awaiting proposals from several countries to construct a new nuclear power plant on its territory. He made these comments on the sidelines of the ATOMEXPO-2024 International Forum in Sochi.

Martirosyan highlighted that at the direction of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, a special interdepartmental commission was established to determine the required power and key characteristics of the future power unit.

He emphasized the need for a comprehensive analysis, including evaluating energy capabilities and selecting an optimal location for construction. Armenia has engaged with various organizations, including Russia's state corporation Rosatom. Furthermore, Martirosyan mentioned that Armenia is eagerly awaiting proposals from other countries with relevant experience, such as China, South Korea, the USA, and France. "The most important criteria for us are to obtain a modern, safe, and competitive station in terms of price," Martirosyan stressed.

Regarding the timeline for construction, Martirosyan estimated that it would take between eight to twelve years, with certain preparatory stages already underway. He noted that the new nuclear power plant would have a capacity of up to 1000 MW, although the decision on whether it will be stationary or modular has not yet been finalized.

Russian Corporation Offers Range of Nuclear Reactors to Armenia

During a press conference at the ATOMEXPO-2024 forum in Sochi on March 26, Kirill Komarov, the First Deputy Director General and Director of the Development and International Business Unit of the Russian state corporation "Rosatom," discussed the potential offerings of nuclear reactors to Armenia. "Rosatom stands ready to provide Armenia with nuclear reactors ranging from 50 to 1,000 MW in capacity," Komarov stated.

Komarov highlighted that the decision regarding which capacity block to construct in Armenia ultimately rests with the Armenian government. He noted varying forecasts within the energy sector regarding the required capacity block. "Armenia is also interested in a 1,000-capacity block, especially if it will be possible to ensure some partial export to neighboring countries, for example, Georgia," Komarov added.

Komarov assured Armenia of Rosatom's capabilities: "Rosatom's product line allows to fulfill any decision of the Armenian government." He emphasized the flexibility of Rosatom's offerings, which range from 50 MW units to 1,000 MW reactors, with plans underway for a 600 MW reactor. Komarov cautioned against illusions, highlighting that low-capacity plants generally incur higher costs compared to high-capacity ones.

Komarov stressed the importance of finding a solution in collaboration with the Armenian government that meets the energy system's needs while providing Armenian consumers with cost-effective and stable electricity. "But Rosatom has all kinds of technologies, and we can fulfill any decision of the Armenian leadership," Komarov concluded.