PM: Armenia explores acquisition of small modular nuclear reactor

The Armenian government has announced its intention to acquire a small modular nuclear reactor, engaging in discussions with multiple countries, including Russia, over potential supply options.

Speaking in parliament, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan outlined the government’s approach, emphasising that the decision is driven by economic and commercial considerations rather than political ones, Caliber.Az reports, citing Armenian media.

“We have made a strategic decision that our next nuclear reactor will be a small modular one. We asked all partners who possess, or may possess, such technologies whether they would object to discussions with other countries, and all responded in the negative,” Pashinyan said.

He added that Armenia is currently negotiating with the United States, Russia, China, South Korea, and France. “There is no political component to this process; our goal is to identify the proposal that is most advantageous in terms of commercial and economic profitability and make the appropriate choice.

We seek a small nuclear reactor that offers the best price, the safest technology, and the shortest possible return on investment. Please do not interpret this through a geopolitical lens,” Pashinyan stressed.

By Tamilla Hasanova