Russia again pitches nuclear power plant project to Armenia

Russia has proposed to Armenia a high-capacity nuclear power plant project that could meet the country’s energy needs for decades, according to a Russian Foreign Ministry official.

The proposal, put forward by Rosatom, also claims to ensure lower electricity tariffs and support industrial growth.

Mikhail Kalugin, director of the 4th CIS Department at the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has said that the new nuclear power plant could supply Armenia’s energy for up to a century.

“State corporation Rosatom has proposed to Armenia a high-capacity nuclear power plant project which, if the Armenian leadership wishes, will be able to meet the country’s energy needs for decades, if not a century. At the same time, it will ensure low electricity tariffs for end consumers, which, among other things, will significantly boost the country’s industrial growth,” the Foreign Ministry official was quoted as saying by the Russian state-run TASS news agency.

Armenia is currently extending the operational lifespan of its Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant by 10 years, until 2036. The Armenian authorities have announced plans to build a new modular nuclear power plant to replace Metsamor.

Armenia is negotiating its construction with five countries: the United States, China, Russia, France, and South Korea.

Kalugin said that Russia is a “global leader” in nuclear technology and is always ready to share its developments and experience with Armenia in such a vital sector as energy. According to him, Russia is also ready to share digitalization technologies with Armenia.

“Today our country is one of three countries in the world that has the most advanced solutions. Foreigners note Russia’s advanced online banking services, as well as achievements in the digitalization of public services and healthcare. And these are just a few examples of what the ‘Russian offer’ entails,” he said.

He also spoke about the future of Armenia–Russia bilateral relations, stressing that Moscow is committed to the reciprocal development of cooperation with Yerevan.

Mikhail Kalugin also stated that the South Caucasus is of vital importance to Russia.

“Our interests stem from the fact that Russia is not only a neighbor, but also a Caucasian power itself. We have the closest historical and cultural ties with all countries of the region. For each country of the South Caucasus, Russia is the main trading partner or one of them. Important transport routes pass through the region. The situation in the North Caucasus largely depends on how processes develop on the other side of the mountain range. The South Caucasus is of vital importance to us,” he said.

According to him, Russia’s fundamental interest lies in the development of the South Caucasus region, the realization of its economic potential, and the creation of a zone of stability and peace.

“Whatever contributes to the prosperity of the region also contributes to Russia’s well-being. This is the simple logic of our actions,” Kalugin said, stressing that Moscow consistently opposes armed conflicts in the region, supports the lifting of blockades, and is actively working to build a common architecture of regional connectivity so that each country can benefit from its geographical position.

The Russian Foreign Ministry official also discussed Armenia’s railway network, which is managed by a Russian state corporation under a concession agreement.

He noted that Russia does not agree with the Armenian side’s claim that Russian management of Armenia’s railway network in any way limits the country’s competitive advantages.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had previously called for an end to Russian management of Armenia’s railway network. He specifically stated that, in the context of current regional connectivity development projects, it would be preferable for another country—particularly one with friendly ties to both Armenia and Russia—to take over management. He argued that some countries might choose not to make shipments through Armenia due to Russian management of the railway system, thereby reducing Armenia’s competitiveness. Russia has so far rejected the offer, claiming to have made major investments over the years and rejecting claims that the country is losing competitive advantages due to Russian management.

“This issue [railway management] was discussed in detail during the talks held on April 1 between the leaders of Russia and Armenia. All concerns of the Armenian side were clarified, and an agreement was reached on the format of further work, including in the context of Russia’s participation in unblocking regional communications. We cannot agree with the claim that the management of Armenian railways by a Russian company in any way limits Armenia’s competitive advantages. On the contrary, we are convinced that it is precisely Russian management that creates those advantages,” Kalugin said.