Maroc - EURASIAREVIEW.COM - A la une - 18/Jan 23:57

Armenia, US Launch Nuclear Cooperation Talks

Armenia and the United States have officially announced the start of negotiations on the 123 nuclear cooperation agreement. This marks a key milestone in the bilateral relationship as the U.S. has approved Armenia's 2024 request to join the agreement. The timeline for signing the agreement depends on Armenia’s position and actions by the new U.S. administration. Former Deputy Minister of Energy Hakob Vardanyan noted that the agreement would enable U.S. nuclear companies to collaborate with Armenia in operating the existing plant, exploring other applications, or constructing new reactors. Without the agreement, U.S. entities are restricted from sharing nuclear technologies or expertise with non-signatory countries. Negotiations were announced during a briefing on the Armenia-U.S. Strategic Partnership Charter. Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan emphasized the agreement would ensure peaceful use of nuclear energy, while U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken added it would open new avenues for collaboration in nuclear energy, science, and technology. Armenia is preparing to build a new nuclear plant, likely featuring small modular reactors, which are more efficient but subject to cost, fuel logistics, and other factors. Former Deputy Minister Vardanyan noted that realistic proposals have come from U.S., Russian, and South Korean companies, but detailed evaluation of U.S. technologies hinges on signing the 123 agreement. The Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant, after its latest upgrades, will operate until 2036. Armenia has allocated funds in its 2025 budget for the design, study, and evaluation of a new nuclear plant.