Big Boost for Metsamor NPP?

In 2025, the Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant underwent a major transformation. Over 1,500 tons of new equipment were delivered, including modern turbine components, safety systems, heat exchangers, and control units. This wasn’t just about keeping the lights on—it was a full-scale modernization aimed at boosting reliability, safety, and performance. As a result, Metsamor’s output increased from around 380 MW to 440 MW, and its operational life has been officially extended to at least 2036.

This upgrade came with major safety benefits too. New systems now meet the latest international standards, significantly reducing the risk of accidents. One key procedure—the annealing of the reactor pressure vessel—helped restore its structural integrity, extending its service life and allowing the plant to operate more securely. The changes make Metsamor more resilient and better prepared for the challenges of the next decade.

With the plant supplying about a third of the country’s electricity, its continued operation is critical for national energy stability. The modernization effort not only improves day-to-day reliability but also gives the government time to plan for future energy infrastructure, including a possible new power unit to replace Metsamor by the mid-2030s.

But what do you guys think? Will Metsamor’s upgrade hold off the need for a new plant, or is it just buying time? Can long-term energy security be built around a modernized but aging facility?