Armenia, Russia explore extension of nuclear power plant operations

Armenia’s Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure, Davit Khudatyan, held talks with Russian Ambassador to the country Sergei Kopyrkin regarding the potential extension of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant’s (NPP) operational lifespan.

“The meeting addressed issues related to the work on extending the operation of the second unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant,” the statement by the ministry said, Caliber.Az reports, citing Armenian media.

In addition to discussions on the nuclear facility, the officials also explored broader topics concerning infrastructure development, highlighting ongoing cooperation between Armenia and Russia in energy and public works sectors.

Earlier, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan indicated that the operational lifespan of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant in Metsamor could potentially be extended through 2046.

In 2023, Rosatom Service and CJSC Armenian NPP formalized an agreement to prolong the plant’s service life until 2036. Preparatory work for a further extension of the facility’s operational period is already underway.

By Vafa Guliyeva