Armenian NPP in Focus of Geopolitical Interests in South Caucasus

Abstract

The present research paper studies the impact of geopolitical processes on the development of Armenian “peaceful atom”. Nuclear energy has a key role in diversifying the energy system and ensuring the energy security of Armenia. The presence of nuclear capacities in the territory of Armenia is a strategic priority, taking into account the complex interstate relations in the South Caucasus and the danger of Armenia’s involvement in regional conflicts. However, at present stage of development of nuclear energy, Armenia faces certain challenges. On the way to answering these challenges Armenia deals with complex geopolitical processes and regional trends in the development of nuclear energy. The results of the study show the impact of geopolitical processes and regional transformations on the development of Armenian “peaceful atom”. At present, all states of the region, except for Georgia, are implementing or planning national programs for the development of “peaceful atom”. Plans and actions aimed at the development of nuclear energy in the South Caucasus necessitate the importance of further development of Armenian “peaceful atom” in order to maintain the country’s competitiveness at regional level. At the same time, nuclear energy in Armenia becomes a place for the clash of interests of certain geopolitical actors and an area for their competition. While the Russian participation is of decisive importance for the functioning and the development of nuclear energy in Armenia, the USA and the EU try to weaken the Russian participation in this area by providing their vision for the the development of the industry and implementing their own projects in the Armenian energy sector. Тhe integration processes in the EAEU and the EU, in turn, create certain obstacles, opportunities and prospects for nuclear energy in Armenia and lead to the cooperation with international structures, regional and geopolitical actors.