Decision to build modular nuclear power plant made to provide additional flexibility to Armenia’s energy system, says minister
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The main issues related to the construction of a modular nuclear power plant in Armenia are expected to be clarified by the end of this year or during 2027. After that, the design phase will begin, followed by the selection of the contracting company and the start of construction work, Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure Davit Khudatyan told Armenpress.
He noted that the review of proposals from around a dozen companies from various countries — the United States, Russia, China, South Korea, and France — is ongoing.
The option selected will be the one that best meets the needs and specific characteristics of Armenia’s energy system and is also the most financially viable. Only after that will the specific model of the nuclear power plant to be built be determined.
“At this stage, the Government of Armenia has decided only on the type of nuclear power plant — a modular plant composed of small reactors. The decision to build such a plant was made taking into account various factors, first and foremost the need to provide additional flexibility to Armenia’s energy system,” the minister said.
He also informed that the second program to extend the lifecycle of the Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant will be launched soon, as a result of which it will operate until 2036. According to Davit Khudatyan, it is technically possible to keep the Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant in Armenia’s energy system until 2046 as well; however, the Government will do everything possible to ensure that there will be no need for this.