Armenia must urgently begin the construction of a new nuclear power unit in order to have new operational capacity by the end of 2036. This was stated by UN national energy expert Ara Marjanyan, addressing the country’s long-term energy security challenges.
The new unit must be more powerful
According to the expert, the operational lifespan of the second unit of the existing nuclear power plant was previously extended to 2026 through work carried out with the support of Russian specialists. He estimates that ongoing work could extend its operation by approximately another 10 years — until 2036. However, after that, Armenia will face the need to replace the existing unit.
Marjanyan emphasizes that Armenia does not have time for prolonged discussions or impractical concepts, particularly regarding small modular reactors. According to him, the focus should be on fast and pragmatic engineering solutions, prioritizing VVER-type reactors and initiating design and construction as soon as possible.
In his assessment, the capacity of the new nuclear unit should be at least twice the current 440 MW, with an optimal target of around 1200 MW. He recalls that within the framework of COP27, several countries, including Armenia, committed to tripling nuclear energy capacity by 2050, which further necessitates the development of new large-scale capacity.
Key drivers of energy demand growth
Marjanyan identifies several areas that will require significant additional energy capacity in the near future.
The first is a potential “renaissance” of industrial and technological development in Syunik, involving not only increased mining activity but also deep processing, which would require approximately 150–200 MW of additional capacity.
The second area is the development of large data centers, planned within the framework of cooperation with the United States. According to the expert, such facilities require stable and high-quality electricity supply, necessitating an additional 100 MW of capacity.
The third important direction is the development of transport and logistics infrastructure, particularly in the field of electric transport. Marjanyan notes the need to expand the Yerevan metro network, develop railway connections, and ensure connectivity with the airport and regions, all of which will increase electricity demand.
According to the expert, the construction of a new nuclear unit should be considered a strategic priority for Armenia. In his view, this is the only way to ensure the country’s energy independence and meet growing economic and technological demands.