ArmInfo. According to Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, the capacity of modular nuclear power plants will be insufficient, given the prospects for AI development in Armenia. He stated this during a briefing with journalists on October 1.
While more than a year ago, according to him, Armenia was considered a country with a surplus of generated electricity, after the signing of several documents in the United States last August, followed by the construction of AI factories in our country, Armenia is already facing an electricity shortage.
Noting that Armenia must decide on the model of the new power unit by the end of 2027, the Prime Minister did not rule out that the most logical solution for the country would be a nuclear power plant with a capacity of 1,000 MW.
It should be noted that the program to extend the life of the second power unit of the Armenian NPP is designed for the plant's operation until 2036, with the possibility of further discussions on an extension until 2046. The first stage of the extension program (until 2026) was carried out with financial support from Russia ($270 million loan and $30 million grant). The main work was aimed at modernizing the equipment and justifying the safety of Unit 2 until 2026. In December 2023, Armenian Nuclear Power Plant CJSC and Rosatom Service JSC signed a formal agreement to extend the plant's service life for another 10 years. Approximately $165 million from funds saved during the first phase of the project has been allocated for this purpose. The Armenian leadership and the NPP management are considering operating the power unit until 2041-2046, subject to all assessments and approval by the IAEA.
During this period, a decision on a new plant must be made. Nuclear reactor models proposed by Russia, the United States, France, China, and South Korea are being studied.
"We are conducting transparent negotiations with all partners. Our decision, which will be strategic in nature, must be based on the most advantageous offer that meets the interests of the republic," the head of government said.
