It Would Be Logical to Build a New Energy Block in Armenia Based on a Russian Project: Deputy Director of IAEA

It would be logical for Armenia to construct a new energy block based on a Russian project. This was stated by Mikhail Chudakov, Deputy Director of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and head of the agency's Nuclear Energy Department, in an interview with TASS during the World Atomic Week international forum.

“Armenia needs a nuclear power plant, and the most logical option would be to build a new energy block based on the Russian project, instead of the existing one. This is completely logical. However, we see that in recent years logic has not always prevailed, with political decisions dominating,” Chudakov said.

He cited the situation created in Eastern Europe as an example. “Absolutely untested energy blocks are being installed, which exist only on paper and are not reputable. There are no pilot projects. However, they are purchased only to avoid accepting the Russian project, which is tested, reliable, performs well, and works effectively,” Chudakov explained.

It is worth recalling that on August 8, after the signing of trilateral agreements in Washington, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced that the United States is ready to transfer modular nuclear power plant technology to Armenia. One of the memoranda signed between Armenia and the U.S., with the participation of President Donald Trump, involves energy cooperation in two directions: the introduction of cutting-edge nuclear technologies and investment in electricity storage systems.

At the same time, in 2023, Rosatom Service and Armenian NPP signed an agreement to extend the operating period of the station until 2036. Work on a double extension is already underway. Today, the Armenian NPP provides approximately one-third of the country's electricity needs. The government plans to build a new energy block by 2036 to replace the current capacities.