Armenia to Select Technology Solution for New Nuclear Power Plant by End of 2027

The Armenian government has set the end of 2027 as the deadline for selecting the technology solution for a new nuclear power plant. The project will eventually replace the existing Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant and has been incorporated into Armenia's government program for 2026 to 2031.

According to the program, Armenia will advance the construction project for the new nuclear power plant and complete the reactor technology selection by at least the end of 2027. At present, the government has not yet disclosed the installed capacity, reactor type, or potential contractor for the new plant.

Armenia has been evaluating nuclear power options from multiple countries in recent years, including both traditional large- or medium-sized nuclear units and small modular reactors (SMRs). Armenian officials have previously stated that units of relatively smaller scale, which are easier to connect to the national grid, are one of the key areas of focus for the government.

Rosatom remains one of the potential partners. The company has proposed a plan to build a large- or medium-sized nuclear power plant comprising one or two units. Meanwhile, Armenia is also exploring the possibility of cooperation with the United States, France, China, South Korea, and others. Armenian Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure David Khudatyan said earlier this year that the government is reviewing proposals from around a dozen companies.

In February this year, during a visit to Armenia by U.S. Vice President JD Vance, the two countries signed a civilian nuclear energy cooperation agreement under Section 123, providing a legal framework for cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy and creating conditions for U.S. companies to participate in Armenia's future nuclear energy projects. Armenia has previously discussed adopting U.S.-designed modular reactors as an alternative option, with a single reactor capacity of approximately 300 megawatts.

The Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant, located about 35 kilometers west of the Armenian capital Yerevan, remains an important component of the country's power system, accounting for approximately 30% of total national electricity generation. Armenia plans to extend the operation of the Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant until 2036 while advancing the construction of a replacement plant.

In 2023, Armenia signed a modernization agreement worth $65 million with Rosatom to extend the operating life of the Soviet-era reactor at the Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant. Rosatom remains involved in the ongoing modernization work at the plant and continues to supply nuclear fuel.

Khudatyan stated in June this year that extending the operating life of the Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant by another ten years would give Armenia time to evaluate different alternatives without making a hasty decision. The new government program has formally established the end of 2027 as the policy deadline for selecting the technology for the new nuclear power plant.

The technology adopted for Armenia's next nuclear power plant and the party providing the relevant solution will influence the development path of the country's nuclear energy industry beyond 2036.