Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan justified his administration’s decision to extend the operational life of the Metzamor nuclear plant, saying the Soviet-era plant, which provides 30% of Armenia’s electricity “symbolizes and strengthens our sovereignty.”

“Nuclear energy stands as a cornerstone in our strategy, ensuring both the energy security of our nation and the mitigation of climate change,” Pashinyan said on March 21 while addressing the first ever Nuclear Energy Summit held in Brussels.

Pashinyan’s government will pay $65 million to a Russian company to modernize the plant, thus extending its life by ten years beyond 2026.

Pashinyan, according to a statement released by his office, said his government “is committed to upholding the highest standards of nuclear safety and security”, and pointed out that no nuclear or radiation accidents have occurred at Metzamor.

The Armenian leader said the country plans to build a new nuclear power plant by the time Metzamor goes off-line in 2036.

Pashinyan’s support of nuclear energy, arguing it can help mitigate the threats of climate change, echoes the sentiments of European Union (EU) leaders from eleven member states who backed a declaration in support of nuclear energy during a conference.

 EU countries are split on whether to promote nuclear energy, with two camps - one led by France that believes nuclear expansion is crucial, and the other including anti-nuclear countries Austria and Germany, who want to focus on renewable sources like wind and solar.