The American modular reactor has advantages that make it appealing for Armenia. Mesrop Mesropyan, Chairman of the Public Services Regulatory Commission (PSRC) of Armenia, told this to a press conference Monday.

He explained that the first advantage is that in case of an emergency, human intervention is not required to cool such a reactor. Mesropyan added that the second advantage is that 80 to 90 percent of its equipment is manufactured at the plant and assembled in one country or another according to the “Lego” principle.

Mesropyan considered it unnatural that in recent months, only politicians and political analysts have been talking about the construction of a modular power plant, while experts need to express their opinions in this regard.

Responding to criticism that the US is preparing to build a modular power plant in Armenia for the first time and turn the country into a “guinea pig,” the official said that he does not take these statements seriously.

“At least 51 modular reactors are being built in 15 countries,” Mesropyan added.

The Armenian official called the criticism—according to him, based on fragile assumptions—of an idea that has not yet been implemented unacceptable.

“From a safety point of view, these [power plants] plants are of a higher class than those that we have today. Modular plants are more flexible and their work is more efficient,” the PSRC chairman stated.

Mesropyan recalled that the operation period of Armenia’s current nuclear power plant shall be extended until 2036, and possibly for another 10-15 years after that, and Armenia should decide on this matter during that time.

The official assured that during the period when the Armenian nuclear power plant stops for repairs three months later than planned, there will be no electricity deficit in Armenia. Mesropyan explained that this deficit will be compensated for through the reserves from other power plants.