Armenian Government adopts policy to maintain nuclear energy as essential pillar of energy security – PM

The government of Armenia has adopted a policy of maintaining nuclear energy as an essential pillar of the country’s energy security, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said at the Nuclear Energy Summit in Paris.

Speaking at the high-level meeting hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron and organized in cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency, Pashinyan emphasized the growing role of nuclear power in meeting global energy demand while advancing climate goals.

According to the Armenian Prime Minister, many countries are reassessing the competitiveness of nuclear power as a reliable low-carbon energy source that can complement renewable energy rather than compete with it.

Pashinyan noted that Armenia was among the countries that supported the declaration at COP28 to triple global nuclear energy capacity by 2050.

As part of its long-term strategy, Armenia has launched a program to extend the operational lifetime of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant until 2036. The extension, the Prime Minister said, will provide a solid foundation for a smooth and secure transition to a new nuclear power unit in the future.

Pashinyan also announced that Armenia has decided to pursue small modular reactor (SMR) technology, which is increasingly viewed as a promising option for countries seeking flexible and safe nuclear energy solutions.

He said Armenia is currently examining technologies and assessing proposals from international partners. The selection process will prioritize reliability, long-term sustainability, and adherence to the highest standards of nuclear safety, security and non-proliferation.

The Prime Minister also highlighted the importance of developing a skilled workforce for the nuclear sector through education and training programs, as well as expanding international cooperation.

According to Pashinyan, throughout the operational history of the Armenian nuclear power plant, no incidents related to nuclear or radiation safety have been recorded.

Concluding his remarks, he stressed the importance of responsible management of radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel to protect human health and the environment for future generations.