PM Pashinyan Says Armenia To Keep Nuclear Power For Security

The Armenian government has adopted a policy of maintaining nuclear energy as an essential factor of energy security, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said at the second Nuclear Energy Summit that opened in Paris, where he delivered a speech.

In his remarks, Pashinyan noted that nuclear energy is now viewed as a low-carbon and controllable energy source that can be effectively combined with renewable energy sources.

He added that advances in safety technologies make it possible to extend the operating life of existing nuclear reactors, providing an effective pathway toward achieving zero emissions.

In this context, Pashinyan said Armenia has launched a program to extend the operating life of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant until 2036, which will also lay the groundwork for building a new nuclear power unit in the future.

“To this end, our attention is focused on innovations in civilian nuclear energy, particularly small modular reactor (SMR) technologies, which offer promising prospects. Growing demand encourages leading companies to develop safer and more flexible solutions with shorter construction times and scalable capacity that can better match the needs of national power grids.

Taking these factors into account, Armenia has decided to consider the application of small modular reactor technology. We are currently carefully studying the technologies and evaluating proposals from international partners. The selection process is guided by reliability, long-term sustainability and our commitment to the highest standards of nuclear safety, security and non-proliferation.

By 2050, a qualified workforce will be the backbone of the nuclear sector—from design and construction to safe operation, maintenance and eventual decommissioning. Training and educational programs are essential to ensure the availability of the necessary workforce. In this regard, Armenia highly values international cooperation in both bilateral and multilateral formats.

I am pleased to note that thanks to these efforts and the dedication of Armenian specialists, no nuclear or radiation safety incidents have occurred throughout the entire operation of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant.

In conclusion, I would like to emphasize the importance of the safe management of radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel, which is crucial for both present and future generations. Protecting human health and the environment must remain our guiding principle,” Pashinyan said.

The summit was also attended by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, the prime ministers of Slovakia and Croatia, as well as several other heads of government and officials.

Earlier, after meeting with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance said Armenia and the United States had completed negotiations on a “123 Agreement” on civilian nuclear energy, opening opportunities for major projects. According to him, this could include up to $5 billion in initial exports from the U.S., plus $4 billion in support for fuel and maintenance.