American specialists assess modular reactors for Armenia

PanARMENIAN.Net - Within the framework of the U.S. State Department program “Foundational Infrastructure for the Responsible Use of Small Modular Reactor Technology,” experts from Sargent & Lundy visited Armenia from May 19-22 to provide ongoing technical consultations on small modular reactor technology.

Together with Armenian officials, they completed a preliminary feasibility assessment for replacing the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant with advanced American small modular reactor technologies, the U.S. Embassy in Armenia said.

For potential deployment in Armenia, four U.S. small modular reactor technologies were identified as the most suitable options, while technical support was aligned with International Atomic Energy Agency best practices.

The focus was placed on the highest standards of nuclear safety, security and non-proliferation.

Options for developing replacement capacity after the decommissioning of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant were also reviewed.

“The U.S. Embassy in Armenia welcomes the continued progress of Armenian-American civilian nuclear cooperation,” the embassy statement said.

Earlier, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated that negotiations on constructing a small modular reactor were underway with five potential partners — Russia, the United States, China, South Korea and France. Pashinyan said Armenia was seeking the most advantageous offer for building a new nuclear power plant.

In February, a joint statement on the conclusion of negotiations regarding an agreement between the governments of Armenia and the United States on cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy was signed in Yerevan with U.S. Vice President J. D. Vance.