New nuclear power plant is not a geopolitical choice for Armenia, says PM

Rosatom CEO Alexey Likhachev will present Russia’s proposals for the construction of a new nuclear power plant in Armenia, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has said.

Pashinyan was asked whether the topic of the nuclear power plant was discussed during his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the SCO summit in Bishkek.

“Regarding the nuclear power plant, we had already agreed that we expect Rosatom CEO Alexey Likhachev in September, so that he can present the proposals that Russia can make to Armenia today regarding the construction of a new nuclear power plant. I have said before that the issue of the nuclear power plant is not a geopolitical choice for us; we need the best price-quality ratio. Whoever makes us the best offer, we will follow that offer,” Pashinyan said.

Armenia has begun work to extend the operating life of the existing Metsamor nuclear power plant until 2036.

At the same time, work is also underway on the construction of a new nuclear power plant. The Armenian government has already decided that the new nuclear power plant will be of a modular type, with negotiations underway with the United States, France, China, Russia and South Korea.