Armenia’s Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant poses regional threat Expert warns amid plans for expansion

Renowned expert Brenda Shaffer, a professor at the Naval Postgraduate School in the USA and a member of the American Political Science Association, has issued a stark warning regarding the operation and proposed expansion of Armenia’s Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant.

Shaffer highlighted the grave dangers posed not only to the immediate region but also to Armenia itself by continuing to operate the ageing facility, Report informs.

Shaffer emphasized that the Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant, situated near the Armenian capital of Yerevan, lacks crucial safety features like a containment shell, similar to the Chornobyl plant, which raises concerns that any potential accident could result in widespread pollution and threaten the health and safety of the population not only in Armenia but also in neighbouring countries such as Georgia, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Iran, and the southern Black Sea region.

“Metsamor, located just 35 kilometres from Yerevan, like Chornobyl, does not have a containment shell. Thus, as in Chornobyl, an accident at this plant could easily lead to large-scale pollution. It’s surprising that in Armenia itself there are few citizens and organizations calling for the closure of this dangerous enterprise,” the professor emphasized.

Despite calls from Türkiye, the European Union, and various international organizations urging for the closure of the Metsamor facility due to safety concerns, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan recently announced plans to commission a new power unit at the plant by 2036, extending its service life.

Shaffer expressed surprise at the lack of opposition within Armenia itself to the continued operation of the plant, particularly considering the risks involved. She highlighted Armenia's previous commitments to the EU to close the plant, pointing out the discrepancy between promises made and actions taken.

“EU High Representative Borrell, during his meeting with Armenian Foreign Minister Mirzoyan in February 2024, announced the EU’s readiness to help Armenia close the station. What sense does it make for EU countries to close modern and well-functioning nuclear power plants in Europe, while very dangerous nuclear reactors continue to operate next door?” she added.

Moreover, Shaffer questioned Pashinyan’s assertion that the nuclear plant symbolizes Armenia’s sovereignty, noting the country's heavy dependence on Russia for maintenance, fuel supplies, and energy distribution. She argued that expanding the Metsamor NPP would only deepen Armenia’s reliance on Moscow, contrary to its purported goal of diversifying its energy sources and strengthening ties with the West.

“Sounds like irony, considering that Armenia is 100% dependent on the Russian Rosatom for plant maintenance and fuel supplies. The Russian Federation also owns the power grids through which the electricity generated here is distributed,” she said.

Shaffer suggested that Armenia could meet its energy needs through safer alternatives, especially considering its minimal industrial requirements and the fact that a significant portion of the plant’s output is exported to Iran.

In conclusion, Shaffer called on Western powers, particularly the United States and the European Union, to address Moscow's control over Armenia's strategic infrastructure and to support Armenia in transitioning towards safer and more sustainable energy sources.