Ararat Mirzoyan spoke about modular power plants: what he said
Armenia is thoroughly examining technological options for small modular reactors (SMRs) and discussing proposals from international partners. This was stated by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia, Ararat Mirzoyan, during the high-level segment of the Conference on Disarmament in Geneva.
According to him, the selection process is based on reliability, long-term stability, and adherence to the highest standards of nuclear safety, security, and non-proliferation. Mirzoyan noted that although the operating life of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant has been extended until 2036, Armenia is considering smooth and safe options for transitioning to a new nuclear power unit.
The Foreign Minister also touched upon the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), emphasizing that 2026 will be significant within the framework of the 11th Review Conference of the Treaty. Mirzoyan reaffirmed Armenia’s commitment to the obligations undertaken by the Treaty and highlighted the importance of the balanced implementation of its three pillars: non-proliferation, disarmament, and the peaceful use of nuclear energy.
He stressed that the safe use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes remains one of the priorities of Armenia’s state policy.
Dmitry Peskov, the press secretary for the President of the Russian Federation, referring to the nuclear projects of Yerevan and Washington, noted that Russia’s expertise in the nuclear sector is greater and the cost of services is lower.
On February 9, in Yerevan, RA Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and US Vice President J.D. Vance signed an agreement under which the USA will supply small modular reactors to Armenia. The total value of the project is estimated at 9 billion dollars: 5 billion dollars for equipment, and 4 billion dollars for long-term fuel supply and reactor maintenance contracts.
