Iran and Russia Expand Cooperation on Nuclear Power Plants
WANA (Jan 18) – In a significant development, Alexey Likhachev, the CEO of Russia’s state nuclear energy corporation Rosatom, announced an agreement between Iran and Russia to collaborate on both small and large-scale nuclear power plants.
Speaking to reporters at the Kremlin on Friday following high-level talks, Likhachev stated: “Our Iranian colleagues and partners have expressed interest in expanding cooperation on small-scale nuclear power plants and establishing new sites for large-scale facilities.”
Plans for New Nuclear Facilities
According to Likhachev, discussions to construct another large-scale nuclear power plant in Iran are set to commence soon. He highlighted that implementing projects related to small-scale nuclear facilities would require adjustments at the intergovernmental agreement level, noting that the relevant protocol has already been shared with Iranian partners.
In addition to the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, Likhachev emphasized the need for “serious and in-depth negotiations,” which are expected to begin in the near future.
Iran and Russia Presidents Speak After Signing Strategic Treaty
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Progress Despite Sanctions
Likhachev also reported on the operational success of Bushehr’s first reactor, which has generated over 70 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity since its inception. Despite ongoing sanctions and external pressures, he confirmed the continued construction of the second and third units at the Bushehr site.
The Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant is Iran’s first nuclear facility, with a capacity of 1024 MW. Construction began in 1975 but was interrupted by the Iranian Revolution. Legal disputes and Iraqi missile attacks caused further delays. The plant was completed in 2011 with Russian oversight.
It generates 1000 MW and contributes 1.3% of the country’s peak electricity demand. Russian consultants assist in managing the plant, and Russia handles fuel supply and waste management. Nuclear energy is recognized as an environmental strategy to combat global warming and reduce pollution.
