US touting small nuclear reactors for use in Caucasus and Central Asia

The United States is making a fresh push to promote the use American nuclear energy technology in Central Asia and the Caucasus.

Shawna J. Wilson, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Security Programs, traveled to both regions recently for meetings with Armenian and Kazakh officials that explored ways to advance US nuclear cooperation with both countries. 

The United States and Armenia finalized a nuclear cooperation deal in February during a visit to Yerevan by Vice President JD Vance. Kazakhstan, meanwhile, signed an agreement in late 2025 covering US training assistance for Kazakh technicians in the nuclear sector.

US cooperation has focused on the construction and safe operation of small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs). Wilson’s discussions in Kazakhstan paid “particular attention” to Kazakh participation in the US-led FIRST program, which, according to the State Department, “provides capacity-building support to partner countries as they develop their nuclear energy programs to support clean energy goals.” 

According to an account published by the Kazakh state news agency Kazinform, both sides during the October 27 talks “confirmed their mutual interest in further developing Kazakh-American cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy.” Kazakhstan presently has plans to build three large-scale nuclear facilities, to be built by Russian and Chinese firms.

In Armenia, Wilson met with Narek Apitonyan, the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure official leading the country’s efforts to develop its nuclear capacity. Armenia is currently considering options to replace its antiquated Metsamor nuclear plant, an issue that has stoked competition between Russia and the United States to secure the contract.

After expressing initial enthusiasm for SMRs, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan recently indicated that small reactors may not fit Armenia’s needs, an announcement that seemingly put Russia back in the lead in the race to build a new nuclear facility.

But Apitonyan, in comments posted on the ministry’s Facebook account, suggested that the United States will have a role in Armenia’s nuclear future. 

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