Iran and Russia Sign MoU on Small Modular Reactors Construction
WANA (Sep 24) – The Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) and Russia’s State Atomic Energy Corporation, Rosatom, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for cooperation in the development and construction of small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) in Iran.
The MoU was signed during a visit by Mohammad Eslami, Vice President of Iran and Head of the Atomic Energy Organization, to Russia, where he held a meeting with Alexey Likhachev, Director General of Rosatom. The Russian side described the SMR project as a “strategic” initiative.
According to Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization, the agreement aims to expand cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy, in line with both countries’ national laws and international commitments. It is intended to contribute to sustainable development, enhance energy security, and advance nuclear technology.
As part of the implementation of the MoU, future contracts will be signed between relevant institutions from both sides for the design and construction of nuclear power plants based on SMR technology.
Iran and Russia Sign MoU on Small Modular Reactors Construction. Social media/ WANA News Agency
The strategic role of these reactors is in developing the country’s nuclear expertise and related industries, particularly in manufacturing equipment and components for power generation. Additionally, the acquisition of SMR technology is expected to create new capacities for powering large industries and stabilising the national power grid.
The development of nuclear power plants using small modular reactors (SMRs) has become a major trend in the global nuclear energy sector, with many countries actively pursuing projects to acquire and deploy this emerging technology.
According to Eslami, the plan includes the construction of eight small-scale nuclear power plants, aiming to increase Iran’s nuclear electricity generation capacity to 20 gigawatts by 2040.
Speaking upon his arrival in Russia to participate in the country’s Nuclear Energy Week, Eslami emphasised that Iran and Russia’s existing nuclear agreements remain active. He noted that the Iranian delegation has visited manufacturing facilities and held meetings with scientific and research institutions as part of efforts to expand nuclear cooperation.
Eslami also confirmed that construction of the second and third units of the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant is currently underway by Russian contractors, calling the project a priority for both governments.
Iran and Russia Sign MoU on Small Modular Reactors Construction. Social media/ WANA News Agency
