Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan, addressing the second Nuclear Energy Summit in Paris today, said his administration has adopted a policy to maintain nuclear energy as an essential factor in Armenia’s energy security and as a key component of its electricity supply.

The summit, hosted by France and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) brings world leaders together to advance civil nuclear power for decarbonization and energy security.

Pashinyan echoed remarks made by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen that many countries are now recognizing that nuclear energy, as a regulated, low-carbon energy source, can work well alongside renewable energy sources, rather than compete with them.

“The reduction in the share of nuclear was ​a choice, I believe that it was a strategic ​mistake for Europe to turn its back on a ⁠reliable, affordable source of low-emissions power," Ursula von der Leyen said in ​a speech at the Paris summit.

Pashinyan, according to his office, said that Armenia has launched a program to extend the operational life of the country’s nuclear power plant (Metzamor) until 2036.

“This extension will lay a solid foundation for a successful and safe transition to a new nuclear power unit, the Armenian prime minister said.

Pashinyan said his administration has decided to use small modular reactor technology and that it is studying the technologies and evaluating proposals from international partners.

Photo: French PresidentEmmanuel Macron, Nikol Pashinyan, IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi