Plans for Building a New Nuclear Power Unit Under Discussion
On December 23, Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure David Khudatyan visited the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant (ANPP). This was reported by the ministry.
Accompanied by ANPP General Director Eduard Martirosyan, Armavir Governor Argishti Mekhakyan, and local community leaders, the minister toured the plant, familiarizing himself with the ongoing upgrades and modernization efforts.
Subsequently, a working meeting was held, during which several issues were discussed, including the extension of the operational period for the ANPP’s 2nd power unit and the construction of a new nuclear power unit.
On August 1, 2024, the government decided to establish a closed joint-stock company, “Construction of a New Nuclear Power Unit,” to manage the construction program. Former Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure Gnel Sanosyan had previously announced that the company would be created based on the guidelines of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), operate under the ministry’s oversight, and be financed by the state budget.
At the time, Sanosyan also stated that the organization would act as the client and supervising body for the entire construction process and later serve as the operator of the new nuclear power unit.
The extended operational period of the current power unit at the Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant has 12 years remaining. The plant produces approximately one-third of Armenia’s total electricity. During the summer, Secretary of the Security Council Armen Grigoryan noted that Armenia is negotiating the construction of a new nuclear power plant with the United States, Russia, and South Korea. He added that Armenia is in a phase of detailed discussions with the United States regarding the new plant.