The United States is considering the possibility of building “small modular nuclear reactors” in several Eurasian countries, including Armenia, to strengthen energy independence from both Russia and China, a senior State Department official has said, according to Armenpress.

“In a number of countries, including Armenia, we are assessing the feasibility of small modular nuclear reactors built with U.S. technology that could facilitate greater energy independence from both Russia and the PRC,” Maria A. Longi, Coordinator of the Department of State’s Office of the Coordinator for U.S. Assistance to Europe, Eurasia, and Central Asia said at a Subcommittee Hearing in the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

She did not elaborate.