Armenia signals nuclear future beyond Metsamor as operation may extend to 2046

(Horizon Weekly / YEREVAN) – Armenia’s only nuclear power facility, the Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant, may remain operational until 2046, as officials weigh both life-extension measures and long-term replacement options amid growing geopolitical and energy considerations.

According to recent reports, Armenian authorities are assessing the technical and financial feasibility of extending the plant’s lifespan by another decade beyond its planned shutdown. The facility, which accounts for roughly 30–40% of Armenia’s electricity generation, has undergone multiple modernization programs in recent years, with Russian support, to enhance safety systems and extend its service life.

At the same time, Yerevan is actively exploring options for constructing a new nuclear power unit to replace the aging Soviet-era reactor. Armenian officials have indicated that several international partners have expressed interest in the project. In recent remarks, Armenian officials indicated a preference for U.S. nuclear technology, specifically small modular reactor (SMR) designs, though no final decision has been made. The United States and Armenia recently concluded negotiations on a framework for peaceful nuclear cooperation, further signalling deepening engagement in the energy sector.

Government officials stress that energy security remains the primary consideration. Any replacement facility would require years of planning, financing, and regulatory preparation before construction could begin. Extending Metsamor’s operation is therefore viewed as a practical interim solution to prevent supply disruptions while Armenia determines the most viable long-term strategy.

The issue carries broader geopolitical implications. Russia has historically played a dominant role in Armenia’s nuclear energy sector, while closer cooperation with the United States or other Western suppliers would reflect a significant diversification of strategic partnerships. Analysts note that Armenia’s eventual decision on reactor technology will signal not only its energy priorities but also the direction of its broader foreign policy orientation.

For now, Armenian authorities maintain that all options remain under review, with safety standards, financing structures, and long-term energy independence forming the core of deliberations.