Safe operation of the nuclear power plant is a strategic priority for Armenia: Pashinyan

Armenia is committed to maintaining the highest safety standards at the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant (ANPP), Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said at the "World Atomic Week" forum in Russia.

Pashinyan stressed that the growing use of digital technologies and artificial intelligence has significantly increased electricity demand, making nuclear energy an increasingly relevant, sustainable and environmentally friendly source. He noted that nuclear power will remain a vital element of Armenia’s stable energy balance, provided that nuclear safety is strictly ensured.

“The Armenian government has approved a policy of keeping the nuclear power plant as a key component of the country’s electricity system. Today, about 30 percent of Armenia’s electricity is generated by the ANPP. The safe operation of the plant is a strategic priority for the government and plays a central role in our energy security,” Pashinyan said.

He underlined that the strategic importance of nuclear energy places a special responsibility on the government toward present and future generations. Armenia, he said, conducts regular inspections and expert assessments, with reports confirming compliance with IAEA safety standards and the absence of incidents related to nuclear or radiation safety.

Pashinyan added that this principle guided the large-scale modernization of the ANPP in recent years, which enabled the extension of its operational life until 2026. "Based on this experience, Armenia has now decided to further extend the plant’s operation until 2036."

Pashinyan noted that the project to modernize and extend the operational life of the Armenian nuclear power plant is not only a technical issue, but also the result of a profitable and reliable partnership between Armenia and the Rosatom Corporation and other international partners.

The extension, Pashinyan said, will provide a solid foundation for the smooth transition to the construction of a new power unit after the ANPP’s extended operational period ends.