MOSCOW, August 22. /TASS/. The Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant in Armenia is a crucial element in Armenia’s energy balance, and its shutdown will increase the nation’s energy dependency on other countries, Russian Foreign Ministry’s Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said.

"Today, the Metsamor plant plays the role of a system-forming element in the republic’s energy balance, generating about 30 percent of the electrical power. Stable generation of affordable electricity has enabled Armenia to steadily develop industry and ensure technological progress for many years," she said.

"In the contemporary world, especially against the backdrop of the unsuccessful experience of a number of European countries in transitioning to renewable energy sources, peaceful nuclear energy is a factor of sovereignty and energy security. Shutting down its own nuclear power plant will lead to nothing other than an increase in the state’s dependence on other countries in the energy sector," Zakharova added.