US, Armenia Sign MoU on Energy Security Partnership

According to the Memorandum of Understanding signed in Washington on August 8 between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Republic of Armenia, Yerevan and Washington have specified certain details regarding Armenia's energy diversification, expanding cooperation on nuclear issues, and promoting Armenia's transition to a low-carbon, competitive, and internationally integrated energy economy. Increasing the level of Armenia's energy independence is also considered among the priorities.

Washington has expressed its readiness to participate not only through experience exchange and consultations in the listed and many other areas but also by encouraging private investments.

The Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Republic of Armenia (hereinafter the Participants),

Expressing a mutual interest in investing in Armenia’s energy sector to promote Armenia’s energy diversification, security, resilience, and the modernization of Armenia’s energy sector,

Affirming a shared desire to expand cooperation on civil nuclear matters,

Acknowledging the complementary nature of the Participants’ work and the benefits of closer strategic cooperation between them,

Have reached the following understanding:

I. Purpose

The purpose of this Memorandum of Understanding (hereinafter the MoU) is to collaborate on improving the resilience of Armenia’s energy system, including by aligning Armenia’s energy sector regulations and market standards with international best practices, and to promote Armenia’s transition to a low-carbon, competitive, and internationally integrated energy economy.

The Participants aim to respond to Armenia’s energy sector priorities, including by:

• encouraging private sector investment,

• expanding cooperation on civil nuclear energy issues,

• increasing the protection of critical energy facilities, and

• strengthening the energy resilience and independence of critical and social infrastructure,

• promoting regional cooperation and opportunities for cross-border energy trade,

• supporting the development of skills and capacity of Armenia’s energy sector workforce.

II. Areas of Cooperation

The Participants aim to collaborate in a number of areas, including, but not limited to, the following:

cooperation on civil nuclear energy, including small modular reactor technologies,

promoting investment to strengthen Armenia’s critical energy infrastructure, including in the development of battery energy storage systems for renewable energy sources, and

promoting investment to modernize Armenia’s electricity transmission and distribution grids,

increasing the cybersecurity of Armenia’s energy infrastructure, including through technical assistance.

III. General Provisions

Duration: This MoU becomes operative on the date of its signature and is intended to be operative for a period of one (1) year. It is expected that cooperation under this MoU will continue for 3 additional terms, unless one Participant notifies the other in writing of its intent to discontinue cooperation under this MoU at least sixty (60) days before the date of discontinuation. Any differences related to the interpretation or application of this MoU may be resolved amicably through consultations between the competent authorities of the Participants.

Amendments: The Participants may amend this MoU by mutual written decision.

Points of Contact: The Participants intend to designate points of contact from their respective institutions to coordinate the implementation of this MoU.

Reporting and Dialogue: The Participants intend to hold periodic consultations, including at expert and high levels, to review progress and identify new opportunities for collaboration.

Effect of MoU: Nothing in this MoU creates rights or obligations under international or domestic law. The Participants specifically acknowledge that this MoU is not an obligation of funds. The Participants intend to maintain their own separate and unique missions and mandates and their own accountabilities. Cooperation between the Participants as set forth in this MoU should not be construed as creating a partnership or any other type of legal entity or person. Each Participant is to bear its own costs arising in connection with this MoU. The Participants intend to implement this MoU in a manner that does not interfere with any other arrangements between the Participants existing before or after the signing of this MoU. Nothing in this MoU is intended to be interpreted as an exclusive working relationship.