In a compelling article, Eurasianet highlights that Armenia is signaling a possible shift in its energy strategy by hinting at a preference for an American-built nuclear reactor to replace its aging Russian-designed plant, a move that could reshape the country’s long-term energy partnerships.

As US Vice President JD Vance prepares to visit the Caucasus, Armenia is sending signals that it is leaning toward selecting an American company to build a new nuclear reactor to replace the antiquated, Russian-built Metsamor facility, The Caspian Post republishes the article.

Armenia's minister of territorial administration and infrastructure, David Khudatyan, told journalists February 3 that the government has decided the new nuclear plant would have a modular design. That is good news for the United States, which is widely recognized as the global leader in modular nuclear technology.

While stating that Yerevan is opting for modular, Khudatyan emphasized that a final decision on the size of the reactor had not been determined, and that proposals from the United States, Russia and China remained under consideration. “I believe the model selection will be decided in 2026 or 2027. There is no need to rush," the minister said.

photo: Reuters

Most modular nuclear reactors built to date have been small in scale, with annual generating capacities of 300 megawatts or less per unit. But larger-scale modular reactors are also becoming feasible, essentially stacked smaller models. Small modular reactors are comparatively quick and cheap to build and tend to be safer and more efficient to operate than large-scale models, such as the Russia-built VVER-1000 series. Tech giants, including Amazon and Google, are turning to SMRs to meet power needs for data centers.

An Armenian news outlet, Hraparak, which has a reputation for breaking government-related scoops, published a brief report in late January indicating that nuclear energy will be on the agenda when Vance is in Yerevan to meet with Armenian government officials.

“It is obvious that the main goal of the visit will be the launch of TRIPP,” or the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity,” the report stated. “Behind the scenes in the [Armenian] government, there is talk that a document may also be signed, according to which Armenia will reserve the construction of a modular nuclear power plant for the United States.”

The Metsamor nuclear plant, the first unit of which started operating in 1976, is now on its last legs. It has already undergone two refurbishments to prolong its lifespan until 2036. The facility generates about 40 percent of the country’s electricity needs, but its continued operations are clouded by safety concerns.