Russia has dismissed recent allegations that Armenia’s Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant poses a threat to regional security, describing the criticism as politically motivated and lacking factual basis.
Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova responded to media questions about reports suggesting the facility relies on outdated technology and should be shut down due to safety concerns.
According to Zakharova, similar accusations have surfaced repeatedly over the years, often from the same sources.
She argued that critics apply different standards to Armenia than they do to several European countries that continue to operate nuclear facilities using comparable technologies.
Emphasis on Plant’s Safety Record
Zakharova said the Metsamor facility has demonstrated a strong safety record and remains equipped to operate in a region known for significant seismic activity.
She pointed to the plant’s reactor design, which she said was specifically adapted to withstand earthquakes and other geological challenges.
As evidence of its resilience, she referenced the plant’s performance during the devastating Spitak earthquake, noting that its safety systems functioned as intended.
Following modernization and rehabilitation work, the facility resumed operations in 1995 and has continued to serve as a key component of Armenia’s energy network.
Modernization Efforts Continue
Russian and Armenian specialists are currently engaged in projects aimed at extending the operational life of the nuclear plant.
Zakharova said ongoing upgrades are expected to allow the facility to continue operating until at least 2036.
The work forms part of broader cooperation between Moscow and Yerevan in the energy sector, with both countries seeking to maintain the plant’s role in Armenia’s long-term electricity generation strategy.
IAEA Cited as Independent Confirmation
The Russian official also highlighted assessments from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), arguing that the plant’s safety standards have received international recognition.
She referred to a visit by IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi in October 2022, during which measures designed to strengthen nuclear and physical security at the site were acknowledged.
Moscow maintains that such evaluations undermine claims that the facility presents a danger to neighboring countries.
Key Role in Armenia’s Energy Supply
Zakharova stressed that the Metsamor plant remains one of the most important elements of Armenia’s energy infrastructure.
According to Russian estimates, the facility generates roughly 30 percent of the country’s electricity, helping to provide a stable and affordable energy supply for households and industry.
She argued that the availability of dependable electricity has supported industrial growth, economic development, and technological advancement in Armenia for decades.
Nuclear Power Framed as Energy Sovereignty
The Russian Foreign Ministry also linked the debate over Metsamor to broader questions of energy security.
Zakharova said nuclear power continues to play a crucial role in ensuring national sovereignty, particularly at a time when some countries have faced challenges in their transitions toward renewable energy sources.
She warned that shutting down Armenia’s only nuclear power plant could increase the country’s dependence on external energy suppliers and weaken its energy independence.
Moscow Sees Political Motives Behind Criticism
Zakharova suggested that some international actors may have objectives beyond safety concerns when criticizing the Russian-Armenian nuclear project. She questioned why countries that actively develop nuclear energy themselves would oppose Armenia’s continued use of nuclear power.
According to the Russian official, the campaign against the Metsamor plant appears aimed at undermining cooperation between Russia and Armenia while promoting alternative Western-backed energy initiatives.
She argued that these efforts seek to limit Russia’s involvement in regional projects and advance competing technologies that Moscow considers less effective and less safe.
Ongoing Debate Over the Plant’s Future
The remarks highlight continuing disagreements over the future of the Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant, which remains both a strategic energy asset for Armenia and a subject of international scrutiny.
While critics continue to raise concerns about the facility’s age, Russia and Armenia insist that modernization measures, international oversight, and decades of operation demonstrate its safety and importance to the country’s energy future.
