Armenia plans to expand regional cooperation in the energy sector, potentially adding Azerbaijan to its existing energy relationships with Iran and Georgia. Eduard Martirosyan, director general of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant, made the announcement during the ninth Russian Energy Week International Forum, emphasizing that Armenia is involved in various energy initiatives and projects.
Martirosyan recalled that Armenia exports electricity to Iran under an exchange arrangement through which it receives natural gas in return. Electricity is also supplied to Georgia, Sputnik Armenia reported.
Addressing the strategic importance of energy infrastructure, the head of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant emphasized the need to ensure its safe operation, linking it to the country’s energy independence, public safety and long-term development.
“Of course, all this is of great importance for the country’s security, particularly the energy security of the Republic of Armenia. Therefore, for us, nuclear power plant safety is not merely a matter of complying with technical requirements. It is a long-term responsibility to the state, society and future generations,” he said.
According to Martirosyan, the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant accounts for approximately 30–40% of the country’s total electricity generation, underscoring its central role in Armenia’s energy system.
He reported that extensive reconstruction and technical modernization measures have been carried out at the plant in recent years. The work included upgrading key technological equipment, control systems, electricity supply units and engineering infrastructure.
The plant’s director general also provided details of the government program to extend the facility’s operating life, outlining its financial, technical and legal foundations.
“We have extended the nuclear power plant’s operating life and plan to continue work in this direction over the next several years. The program to extend the plant’s operating life is being implemented on the basis of three key decisions by the Government of the Republic of Armenia, which establish the legal framework for the process, the main technical measures and the deadlines for their implementation. The Armenian government has allocated approximately half a billion U.S. dollars to implement the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant’s operating life extension programs,” Martirosyan explained.
According to him, another stage of the plant’s modernization was successfully completed this year with the participation of international partners, including Rosatom.
Martirosyan noted that the technical and organizational measures necessary to extend the plant’s operating life would continue in the coming years to ensure its stable and safe operation.
The head of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant also discussed the results of cooperation with specialized international organizations.
He recalled that in 2025, an expert mission from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) assessed safety issues related to extending the plant’s operating life.
The assessment resulted in a positive conclusion regarding compliance with established safety requirements, including an evaluation of the plant’s seismic safety.
Martirosyan also highlighted the work of the World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO), emphasizing the importance of exchanging professional expertise and applying common safety standards.
“In this context, I would also like to emphasize the active role of the Moscow Centre of the World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO), which I chair. Incidentally, this center includes all nuclear power plants built during the Soviet era and the post-Soviet period,” the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant director explained.
In conclusion, Eduard Martirosyan reaffirmed that the safe and reliable operation of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant, along with the continuous development of employees’ professional knowledge and skills, would remain the facility’s main priorities.
