US and Armenia Finalize Nuclear Cooperation Agreement

US‑Armenia nuclear cooperation agreement completed – Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and US Vice President JD Vance signed a joint statement confirming the conclusion of negotiations on a peaceful‑use nuclear energy pact during Vance’s visit to Armenia, opening the market for US firms to pursue nuclear projects in the country. [1]

Agreement could generate up to $9 billion in US exports – Vance said the deal allows up to $5 billion in initial US nuclear exports and an additional $4 billion in long‑term fuel and maintenance contracts, creating jobs in the United States and strengthening energy security for both nations. [1]

Formal “123 Agreement” required for nuclear trade – The United States mandates a Section 123 Agreement, named after the 1954 Atomic Energy Act, for any country seeking to trade nuclear goods and services; the new pact satisfies that legal prerequisite. [1]

Armenia’s existing nuclear plant and life‑extension project – Armenia operates a single 376 MWe VVER reactor at the Metsamor plant, commissioned in 1980; Rosatom is extending its operating life to 2036 while decommissioning the older Unit 1. [1]

Armenia evaluating multiple reactor technologies – Minister David Khudatyan announced a review of modular reactor designs from Russia, the USA, France, China and South Korea, with a selection expected in 2026 or 2027, following earlier plans to build a new plant within 8‑10 years. [1]

Russia continues dialogue on nuclear projects – Days after the US deal, Rosatom CEO Alexey Likhachev met with Armenian National Assembly speaker Alen Simoyan to discuss extending Metsamor’s life and possible construction of new Russian‑designed reactors, offering comprehensive cooperation on nuclear and non‑nuclear projects. [1]