Armenia Nuclear Power Plant Life Extension Approved to 2036

Armenia's Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant has received regulatory approval for operational life extension through 2036, following completion of comprehensive safety upgrades and modernization investments. The facility provides approximately 40 percent of Armenia's electricity generation.

The life extension program, supported by Russian technical assistance and international safety reviews, addressed aging management for critical components, seismic resilience improvements, and control system modernization. Total investment exceeded $300 million over the multi-year upgrade program.

Metsamor's continued operation provides essential baseload power for Armenia's economy, complementing hydropower and enabling energy independence in a landlocked nation with limited fossil fuel resources. The plant's electricity costs remain competitive with alternative generation sources.

International Atomic Energy Agency reviews confirmed the facility meets current safety standards following upgrades. Armenian regulators conducted independent assessments before granting the operational extension.

Long-term energy planning envisions eventual Metsamor replacement with modern nuclear technology or alternative clean energy sources. Armenia has engaged in preliminary discussions regarding small modular reactor technologies that could provide future generation capacity with enhanced safety characteristics.