Doctor of Political Sciences, Professor Vahe Davtyan wrote on his Facebook page:

“Aliyev’s statement that Azeri specialists have studied the possibility of installing new power transmission lines in the territory of Armenia in order to supply electricity, fully fits into the logic of the adventure called TRIPP.

Moreover, this initiative is an adventure exclusively for Armenia.

Azerbaijan’s interests are simple: access to Nakhichevan, diversification of gas supplies, etc.

Turkey’s interests are no less obvious. Unhindered connection to Azerbaijan’s transport network and expansion of presence in the Caspian Sea.

And the interests of global beneficiaries, first of all, the USA, are written in large letters on the front of the project. We are talking, in particular, about the limitation of the EU’s independent access to Central Asia.

And what will Armenia get from TRIPP?

It turns out to be electricity from Azerbaijan.

Read: loss of energy sovereignty.

The sovereignty that Armenia still has. And first of all, thanks to the nuclear power plant.

Aliyev’s statement says: “Today, the main source of energy in Armenia is the nuclear power plant, the management of which is not in the hands of the Armenian side.”

First, I would advise Aliyev’s assistants to study the issue in more detail before preparing theses.

Since 2013, after the departure of “INTER RAO”, the Armenian NPP is completely under the management of the Armenian side.

Secondly, the significance of the nuclear power plant for Armenia is not limited to the fact that it is a source of electricity. Moreover, the main source is thermal power plants, more than 40% of electricity production, compared to about 30% of nuclear power plants.

The significance of NPP is much wider.

Armenia is the only country in the region that is developing the nuclear energy sector.

And that is a problem for Baku.

Then again the old thesis. “The station is outdated and poses a potential threat to the entire region.”

This rather tasteless song has been around since 1994.

Meanwhile, the IAEA, the main international institute of the field, has repeatedly positively assessed the operation of the ANPP, as well as the modernization works currently being carried out in the second power unit. Extension of the block operation period until 2036. also agreed

with the IAEA.

Moreover, in the case of the implementation of appropriate works, the power unit has the technical potential to extend its operation for another ten years. That is, until 2046.

And this, if the right energy policy and diplomacy are implemented, is a completely realistic prospect.

Aliyev’s attacks on the Armenian NPP and the promises to supply electricity to Armenia through TRIPP should be considered first of all on the political level.

First. The dismantling of the Armenian “peaceful atom” will deprive Armenia not only of a source of stable electricity generation, but also of access to nuclear technologies, which have long gone beyond the boundaries of pure energy.

Secondly. Enthused by the successes in the Artsakh direction, Aliyev considers the nuclear power plant one of the most important pillars of Armenia’s national security. A pillar that needs to be dismantled.

Third. The construction of a nuclear power plant in Azerbaijan is a matter of time. Baku has already officially announced the possibility of including atomic energy in the country’s energy balance. It is gradually becoming a necessity for Azerbaijan, taking into account the ambitions to export “green” electricity to Europe through the Black Sea cable. It should be noted that according to the taxonomy of the EU, atomic energy is classified as a low-carbon, transitional energy solution.

In short, Aliyev’s motives are understandable.

And what is Yerevan doing?

First of all, the lack of an adequate answer is surprising.

For example: simple and clear. “Armenia is a sovereign state and decides the structure of its energy balance.”

But there is another, much more serious problem here.

The situation surrounding the Armenian nuclear power plant in recent years contributes to Baku-like rhetoric.

Yes, until 2040. There is a provision regarding “peaceful atom” in the strategic plan of energy development of Armenia. However, in practice, the situation in the field is approaching a dead end.

Not an operation.

Strategic.

Official Yerevan announces the decision to build a small modular reactor. He signs a corresponding agreement with Washington. He even falsifies the statement of US Vice President J.D. Vance about the expected US investment of 9 billion dollars in atomic energy in Armenia.

However, just a few days after Vance’s official visit, Pashinyan announces the operation period of the Armenian NPP until 2046. about the possibility of extension.

If this became the basis of a consistent political line, the statement itself would be strategically correct.

But there is no such thing.

Then, again, announcements about the construction of a modular reactor. Again, looking for partners. From France to South Korea.

What do we get as a result?

that’s right

A CLEAR DISPLAY OF STRATEGIC UNDECISION.

Meanwhile, if the operation period of the existing power unit is extended until 2036, then today at least the specific technology should have been chosen, the main partners should have been determined and the preliminary scope of the feasibility study should have been developed.

Because from design to licensing, approvals, construction and operation, the entire process can take 7-10 years.

One more important circumstance.

The liberalization of the electricity market enables private traders licensed by the government to import electricity and sell it on the domestic market.

All this together shows one thing.

There is no clear strategic policy in the field of “peaceful atom” in Armenia.

And that is exactly what gives Baku ample opportunities to unleash energy-expansionist rhetoric.

Therefore, the problem is not only who will build the next power transmission line.

The problem is much deeper.

Who will decide the future structure of Armenia’s energy system?

Yerevan”:

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