U.S. Pushes Nuclear Energy Expansion in Central Asia and Caucasus

The United States is intensifying efforts to expand the use of American nuclear energy technology in Central Asia and the Caucasus. During recent meetings in both regions, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Security Programs Shawna J. Wilson engaged with Armenian and Kazakh officials to explore avenues for bolstering US nuclear cooperation.

In February, the United States and Armenia signed a nuclear cooperation deal in Yerevan, where Vice President JD Vance was present. Kazakhstan signed a similar agreement in late 2025, focusing on US training assistance for Kazakh nuclear sector technicians.

Wilson's discussions in Kazakhstan emphasized the country's potential involvement in the US-led FIRST program, which provides capacity-building support for nuclear energy development. Both sides confirmed their interest in deepening US-Kazakh collaboration in the peaceful use of nuclear energy. Kazakhstan aims to construct three large-scale nuclear facilities, with current plans to build them by Russian and Chinese firms.

In Armenia, Wilson met with Narek Apitonyan, who leads the country's efforts to develop nuclear capacity. Armenia is evaluating options to replace its aging Metsamor nuclear plant, a decision that has fueled competition between Russia and the United States. While Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan initially expressed enthusiasm for SMRs, he later suggested that small reactors may not be suitable for Armenia's needs, potentially giving Russia an advantage in the race to build a new nuclear facility.

However, Apitonyan later stated that the United States would have a role in Armenia's nuclear future.