U.S. Concerned About Armenia's Ties With Iran

It was only a matter of time until Armenia's relations with Iran, a sworn enemy of the United States, came under scrutiny.

"We are working with the rest of the international community to push Iran to comply with its international obligations [on nuclear non-proliferation]..." We have expressed our concerns to the government of Armenia on all levels."

...the diplomat went on to urge the Kocharian administration to be a "more active partner" in US-led international efforts to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons.

The Armenian government has avoided any criticism of Tehran’s nuclear program, contenting itself with general calls for a peaceful resolution of the dispute.

Iran has always been our neighbor and if the U.S. wants greater support for its actions, perhaps it can only be warranted by further aid to Armenia to help offset the natural losses that would occur by turning against our friend. Then again, should a conflict arise in the future, Russia and Iran are Armenia's two true allies and the United States could not be counted upon, in my opinion, to help matters in our favor.

Source: EurasiaNet

Russia to Finance New Nuclear Plant

In line with Armenia's ridiculous line of thinking, it seems a major crisis has been averted. Or potentially created.

Russia is ready to fully finance construction of a new Nuclear Power Plant in Armenia.

Russia will be a joint owner of the new Armenian NPP....

...Russia is ready to send specialists for the works to be carried out. The Armenian authorities are planning to build a new NPP, since the republic has no other alternative after the closing of the Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant.

Long term. Why can't they think long term?

Source: PanArmenian

Armenia & Russia to Seek Uranium

Yes, in Armenia.

...the two sides will set up a joint venture that will explore areas in the southeastern Syunik region which Armenian and Russian geologists believe are rich in uranium. He was confident that they will discover commercially viable reserves of the radioactive metal used in nuclear power generation.

"Armenia will be able to meet its needs and sell [uranium] to others..."

As long as the environmental impact is well understood and managed, the latter being highly unlikely, exporting Uranium can be lucrative for Armenia. Global prices for a pound - that's 450 grams - of Uranium are currently hovering around $75 and a further escalation towards or even past $100/pound is expected.

Source: ArmeniaLiberty

United States Upgrades Armenia's Nuclear Power Plant

Just another act of unconditional generosity from the purveyors of Democracy and great adult films!

...this new system, developed with $3.5 million in technical and financial support from the U.S. Department of Energy, includes upgraded physical access infrastructure, badges and video monitoring.

Strong nuclear security is particularly important given the current threat environment and the risk that terrorists and others will try to use nuclear material against innocents.

Oh, and because the Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant is rapidly reaching the end of its operational lifespan, Armenia is planning a second nuclear plant. Of course, there are many alternatives and the country benefits from its size - or lack thereof - to utilize these untapped sources of energy, but it would rather continue on a path of nuclear power generation than to explore the said alternatives. Rather sad, really.

Here's a brief history of the Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant that has been covered before.

Source: PanArmenian

Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant Will Continue to Operate

It seems we may need to dam up a few more rivers.

The nuclear power plant...will not be shut down until the country has alternative energy sources, RA minister of Energy Armen Movsisyan told reporters.

He also added that the conference participants agreed that a new NPP can be an alternative to the currently operating NPP.

The nuclear power plant was planned in the 1960s to meet increasing energy needs, especially by the mining industry; the first reactor became operation in 1976 and the second in 1979. Both were shut down in 1989 following the earthquake in 1998, as the power plant is located in a seismic zone. However, Azerbaijani & Turkish embargos meant that Armenia was at a loss for electricity. As a result, the second reactor was restarted in 1995, but only after many upgrades & international oversight. The nuclear plant has been under Russian financial management since 2003. Even though it produces over 40% of Armenia's electricity, it will need to be replaced in 2016, as it was originally designed to have a forty year life.

The question is, where will Armenia find that 40% to avoid what happened in the early 1990s, namely blackouts, the disappearance of Yerevan's trees for heat, and general misery? Being as small as we are, Armenia is the best place to implement alternative sources of energy, such as solar, wind, geothermal, and so on. Simply building another dangerous reactor on earthquake-prone land or putting up a few hundred hydroelectric plants simply will not do.

Source: Arka, NTI, and The Guardian