Armenia is increasingly discussing the possibility of building small modular reactors (SMRs) as a future replacement for its existing nuclear power plant. Energy expert Astghine Pasoyan explains the technology’s advantages, limitations, and potential role in Armenia’s energy strategy.
Why Armenia Needs a Smaller Reactor
Pasoyan notes that the current Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant operates a 400 MW reactor, while modern conventional nuclear reactors are typically around 1,000 MW.
She argues that such capacity would exceed Armenia’s foreseeable electricity demand and require investments estimated at $4.6–6 billion.
According to the expert, a smaller reactor would better match the country’s long-term energy needs.
Advantages of SMRs
Pasoyan says modular reactors can range from roughly 15–30 MW up to 150–300 MW.
Their main advantage is flexibility, allowing countries to expand capacity gradually instead of financing one massive project.
She also highlights the possibility of locating reactors closer to consumers, reducing transmission losses across the electricity grid.
According to Pasoyan, modern nuclear safety standards have significantly improved following the Fukushima accident.
The Main Risks
Despite these benefits, Pasoyan warns that SMRs remain largely untested in civilian power generation.
She notes that only a very limited number of land-based modular reactors currently operate worldwide.
Most experience with similar technology comes from nuclear submarines, where operational data remain largely unavailable.
Unlike conventional Russian reactors, which have decades of operating experience, adopting SMRs would mean participating in a technology still undergoing practical validation.
Pasoyan believes such uncertainty deserves careful consideration, particularly for a country the size of Armenia.
Manufacturers Are Seeking Early Customers
According to the expert, countries developing SMRs, including the United States, are actively promoting the technology internationally.
She believes manufacturers aim to secure multiple orders before moving to large-scale production.
If global demand reaches around 10–15 reactors, production costs could decline significantly, making SMRs more affordable.
Pasoyan concludes that Armenia could benefit if it joins a larger international procurement wave, but only after carefully assessing the technology’s economic and operational risks.