Rosatom Proposes New VVER-1000 Nuclear Power Unit to Armenia

Alexey Likhachev, Director General of Rosatom, recently stated in Yerevan that the company has submitted specific proposals to the Armenian government for the construction of a gigawatt-class VVER-1000 nuclear power unit. The proposal is based on an assessment of Armenia's electricity demand through 2040 and plans to adopt Russia's mature pressurized water reactor technology, the VVER-1000, which features Generation 3+ safety systems and competitive electricity pricing advantages, and has already been built and commissioned in Russia, India, Iran, and other countries. The Russian side calls this option the optimal choice for the international market and is willing to develop the project into a comprehensive cooperation project attracting international suppliers.

Previously, Likhachev held talks with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and the Deputy Prime Minister, focusing on the extension of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant's service life to 2036. The Russian side reported that the first phase of the life extension project has been completed and approval has been granted for continued operation. Currently, the framework contract signed between the Russian side and the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant Closed Joint-Stock Company is advancing the modernization of safety systems to ensure reliable power supply from 2026 to 2036. The existing Armenian Nuclear Power Plant is located in Metsamor and houses two VVER-440 units; the first was commissioned in 1976, the second was restarted in 1995, and in 2021 renovation was completed with Russian assistance.

Russian Ambassador to Armenia Sergey Kopyrkin participated in the talks. Rosatom stated that it will offer a full range of nuclear power technologies, including large, medium, and small power units, but is currently prioritizing the VVER-1000 option. In the coming months, Armenia will compare proposals from different suppliers to make a decision.