MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Republic of Armenia regarding an Energy Security Partnership
The Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Republic of Armenia (hereinafter referred to as the “Participants”),
Expressing mutual interest in investment in Armenia’s energy sector, aimed at contributing to Armenia’s energy diversification, security, resilience, and modernization of Armenia’s energy sector;
Affirming the common desire to enhance civilian nuclear cooperation; and
Recognizing the complementarity of the work of the Participants and the benefits of closer strategic cooperation between them;
Have reached the following understanding:
I. Purpose
The purpose of this Memorandum of Understanding (hereinafter “MOU”) is to collaborate towards the improvement of the resilience of Armenia’s energy system, including through the alignment of Armenia’s energy sector regulations and market standards with international best practices, and facilitation of Armenia’s transition to a low-carbon, competitive, and internationally integrated energy economy.
The Participants intend to respond to Armenia’s energy sector priorities, including:
• Encouraging private sector investment;
• increasing civil nuclear energy cooperation;
• advancing protection for critical energy assets; and
• strengthening energy resilience and independence of critical and social infrastructure,
• fostering regional energy cooperation and cross-border energy trade opportunities,
• supporting skills development and capacity building in Armenia’s energy sector workforce.
II. Areas of Cooperation
The Participants intend to collaborate in a number of areas, including but not limited to the following:
1. Civil nuclear energy cooperation, including small modular reactor technologies;
2. Promoting investment to bolster Armenia’s critical energy infrastructure, including in the development of battery energy storage stations for renewable energy resources; and
3. Promoting investment to modernize Armenia’s electricity transmission and distribution grids;
4. Enhancing cybersecurity of Armenia’s energy infrastructure, including through technical assistance.
III. General Provisions
1. Duration: This MOU becomes operative on the date of its signing and is intended to remain operative for a period of one (1) year. Cooperation under this MOU is expected to continue for additional 3 periods unless one of the Participants notifies the other in writing of its intention to discontinue cooperation under this MOU at least sixty (60) days prior to the date of discontinuance. Any differences regarding the interpretation or application of this MOU may be resolved amicably through consultations between the competent bodies of the Participants.
2. Modifications: The Participants may modify this MOU by mutual written decision.
3. Points of Contact: The Participants intend to designate points of contact within their respective institutions to coordinate the implementation of this MOU.
4. Reporting and Dialogue: The Participants intend to hold regular consultations, including at the expert and senior levels to review progress and identify new opportunities for collaboration.
5. Effect of MOU: Nothing in this MOU gives rise to 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. The cooperation between the Participants as outlined in this MOU is not intended to be construed as a partnership or other type of legal entity or personality. Each Participant is expected to bear its own costs for all expenses incurred by itself related to this MOU. The Participants intend to implement this MOU in a manner that does not interfere with any other arrangements between the Participants, either prior to or subsequent to the signing of this MOU. Nothing in this MOU is intended to be construed as an exclusive working relationship.
