Maria Longhi, who oversees the United States government’s aid programs for Europe and Eurasia, spoke during a session of the US House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Relations about a potential path the United States is considering. The approach involves exploring the development of small modular nuclear reactors in Armenia and a number of other Eurasian states. The central aim is clear: bolster energy independence from dominant regional powers, notably Russia and China, while expanding ties that support security and stability across the broader region. Reports tracing these discussions cite TASS as a source for the initial outline of these considerations and the scope of the conversations underway. In practical terms, this means evaluating how American technology and reactors of smaller scale could fit into Armenia’s energy landscape, what regulatory and safety frameworks would be required, and how such a program could be financed and integrated with existing energy infrastructure to reduce vulnerability to external supply shocks. The long view here is about creating a resilient energy mix that can withstand geopolitical pressures and provide predictable, affordable power to households and businesses alike, with careful attention to environmental safeguards and regional cooperation. [Source attribution: TASS]
The statement references an ongoing assessment of feasibility in Armenia and other states, with a focus on small modular reactors designed to be constructed using American technology. The potential benefits include greater energy autonomy from both Moscow and Beijing, while also serving as a platform for broader economic and technical collaboration. The conversation reflects a persistent interest in diversifying energy sources and enhancing supply security through modern nuclear technology, alongside a commitment to rigorous safety, validation, and regulatory compliance. This approach would likely involve coordinated efforts with international partners to establish robust standards, oversight, and long-term maintenance strategies, ensuring that any deployment aligns with regional energy priorities and climate goals. Acknowledgment of this direction has previously emerged in diplomatic circles, signaling a strategic dialogue between allied governments and their Armenian counterparts. [Source attribution: TASS]
Earlier, at a press conference held by the British Minister for European Affairs, Leo Docherty, with Armenia’s Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan, the initiation of a strategic dialogue with Armenia was announced for 2023. The participants expressed hope that the talks would pick up momentum in the latter half of the year, leading to tangible outcomes across several areas of cooperation. The dialogue is framed as a mechanism to deepen political trust, expand economic collaboration, and explore capacity-building opportunities that could include technology transfers, energy cooperation, and joint infrastructure projects. The shared expectation was that this strategic engagement would become more than a formal exercise, delivering concrete results that could strengthen Armenia’s governance structures, energy strategy, and regional integration. In this context, the discussions around small modular reactors are part of a broader agenda that seeks to diversify energy sources and enhance resilience through international collaboration and strategic planning. [Source attribution: UK Government communications]