A memorandum of understanding on co-operation in the construction of small-scale nuclear power plants (SMRs) in Iran has been signed between the Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran (AEOI) and Rosatom, the Russian State Atomiс Energy Corporation. The MoU was signed by Rosatom director general Alexey Likhachev and AEOI head Mohammad Eslami, who was in Moscow to attend Rosatom’s World Atomic Week.
The agreement was concluded in order to ‘expand co-operation in the field of peaceful uses of atomic energy to promote sustainable development, energy security and technological progress’ and in accordance with the national laws and international obligations of the two countries.
AEOI said that, in line with the implementation of this understanding, contracts for the design and construction of power plants based on SMRs would be drawn up and signed. “These reactors will play an important role in the development of technical knowledge and nuclear technology and industries related to the manufacture of power plant tools and equipment in Iran. In addition, the acquisition of small-scale modular reactor technology (SMR) can provide a new capacity to power large industries and balance the electricity network.”
Rosatom said the meeting “took place in an atmosphere of mutual trust, openness, and constructiveness”. Russia has publicly supported Iran’s right to develop nuclear energy for civilian use, despite international pressure.
Eslami said Iran and Russia have agreed to build eight new nuclear power plants in Iran, signalling deeper co-operation between the two countries, and that formal agreements would be signed shortly, allowing construction work to begin. Eslami added that the goal is to help Iran reach 20 GWe of nuclear energy capacity by the year 2040.
Speaking to reporters, Eslami noted that the construction of the second and third units of the Bushehr nuclear power plant is currently underway by Russia. Construction of the Bushehr NPP in southern Iran began in 1975 with a West German company but stopped in 1979 after the start of the Islamic revolution. In 1992, Russia and Iran signed an agreement to continue the construction of the station using Russian VVER-1000 technology. In September 2011, the first power unit was connected to the network, and its official transfer to Iran took place in September 2013. Eslami also stated that the negotiations and necessary studies for the implementation of the second part of the contract have been conducted and the location for the construction of the plants has been chosen, prepared, and equipped. After the agreement is concluded, the operational phase for designing, engineering, and further actions will begin automatically, he said.
