Nuclear energy in Armenia: history and prospects

Armenia is a landlocked country in the South Caucasus region, which derives a significant proportion of its electricity from nuclear power. In 2020, nuclear power accounted for around 30% of Armenia’s total electricity production [1].

Armenia derives a significant proportion of its electricity from nuclear power, with the Metsamor nuclear power plant and its VVER-440 reactor. The country plans to build a new reactor to replace the existing one, and to develop innovative reactor technologies to ensure energy security and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Armenia’s participation in international initiatives and research programs demonstrates its commitment to developing new nuclear technologies for the future.

History of nuclear power generation in Armenia

The Metsamor nuclear power plant was built during the Soviet era and went into operation in 1976. It was originally equipped with two VVER-440 pressurized water reactors, with a total capacity of 815 MWe [2]. After the devastating Spitak earthquake in 1988, which raised concerns

quiétudes concernant la sûreté de la centrale en cas de séismes, les deux réacteurs ont été mis hors service en 1989. However, due to the severe energy crisis that followed Armenia’s independence in 1991, the government decided to restart one of the reactors, reactor number 2, in 1995 [3]. Reactor number 1 has been shut down ever since.

Since the resumption of operations, the Metsamor plant has undergone several safety and modernization upgrades, with the help of Russia and other international partners. These improvements have made it possible to extend the service life of reactor number 2 to 2026, with a possible extension to 2036 [4].

Nuclear reactor technologies used in Armenia

The reactor in operation at Metsamor NPP is a VVER-440 pressurized water reactor. VVER reactors are pressurized water reactors designed and built in Russia, and are widely used in the countries of the former Soviet Union. The VVER-440 uses ordinary water as moderator and coolant, and enriched uranium as fuel [5].

Innovative power plant and reactor projects

Armenia has expressed interest in building a new nuclear reactor to replace the existing Metsamor reactor. In 2009, the government announced a project to build a new 1,000 MWe power plant, with financial and technical support from Russia [6]. However, due to budgetary constraints and difficulties in attracting investment, the project has not yet progressed.

Armenia is also interested in innovative nuclear reactor technologies, notably small modular reactors (SMRs) and molten salt reactors (MSRs). These technologies could offer advantages over traditional reactors in terms of safety, flexibility and construction costs. Armenia participates in international initiatives and research programs to develop and share knowledge in the field of advanced nuclear technologies.

For example, Armenia is a member of the Generation IV International Forum, a multilateral initiative aimed at developing advanced nuclear reactors for the 21st century [7]. Forum members collaborate on the research and development of safer, more efficient and sustainable nuclear technologies, including SMRs and MSRs.

List of nuclear reactors in Armenia

Reactor nameTechModelMweTWhConstructionStartGridConnecDecommissioningLoad factor
ARMENIAN-1PWRVVERV-27037625.27july 1969dec. 1976feb. 1989NC
ARMENIAN-2PWRVVERV-27037577.81july 1975jan. 198064.7%

Countries producing nuclear power

  1. United States: 94,718 GW
  2. France: 61,370 GW
  3. China: 53,170 GW
  4. Russia: 27,727 GW
  5. South Korea: 24,489 GW
  6. Japan: 16,321 GW
  7. Canada: 13,624 GW
  8. Ukraine: 13,107 GW

References