Armenia’s nuclear energy sector could be at risk: the head of Rosatom

Alexey Likhachev, the head of Rosatom, stated that Armenia’s abandonment of Russian nuclear technologies could lead to a loss of competencies in the field of nuclear energy. In an interview with “Izvestia”, he stressed that Armenia remains the only country in the Caucasus that “proudly carries the banner of nuclear energy,” ensuring the stability of the energy system and addressing key energy supply challenges. According to him, losing these competencies by abandoning cooperation with Russia would be “absolutely wasteful.”

Likhachev noted that Yerevan needs to decide on a partner for the further development of nuclear energy beyond 2036 as early as 2026–2027. He described the situation as paradoxical, but stressed that the decision rests with Armenia.

According to the Rosatom chief, there are in practice only two fully developed nuclear technologies in the world, the American and the Russian (Soviet at its core). All others are modifications of these two. If Armenia chooses American technology, it will have to completely rebuild its personnel training system and operational competencies.

Likhachev also expressed doubt about the readiness of American small modular reactors for practical application, noting that there is currently not a single such facility in the world at the construction stage.