Iran Looks to Russia for Small Nuclear Reactors

---

Written by Martin Lynch, European News Editor for Industrial Info (Galway, Ireland)--Iran is turning to Russia for more nuclear energy with the signing of a deal in Moscow to build small modular reactors (SMRs).

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed at the World Atomic Week International Forum held in Moscow between the Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran (AEOI) and Rosatom (Moscow, Russia) with the claim that: "this agreement was concluded to expand cooperation in the field of peaceful uses of atomic energy to promote sustainable development, energy security, and technological advancement, in accordance with the national laws and international obligations of the two countries". Rosatom stated: "Following the meeting, the heads of the two countries' delegations signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in the construction of small nuclear power plants in the Islamic Republic of Iran. The document outlines specific steps aimed at implementing this strategic project in Iran." The deal comes as the European Union (EU), following a United Nations move, has voted to reinstate harsh economic and travel sanctions against Iran for its continuation of nuclear proliferation activities to make its own nuclear bombs. Sanctions were lifted 10 years ago as part of a deal whereby Iran committed to not pursuing a military nuclear programme.

Rosatom constructed the country's first nuclear power plant at Bushehr, which was commissioned in 2013, with a capacity of 915-megawatts (MW). Bushehr Phase II is underway with the ongoing construction of Units 2 and 3 using VVER-1000 reactors, with planned commissioning expected from 2027 onwards. AEOI head Mohammad Eslami, said: "The contract between the governments of the two countries envisages the construction of eight nuclear power units by Russia, four of which are in Bushehr. 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." Iran wants to have 20-gigawatts of nuclear energy capacity by 2040. Industrial Info is tracking three Iranian nuclear projects worth US$33 billion. Subscribers to Industrial Info's Global Market Intelligence (GMI) Project Database can click here for the reports.

At the same Forum, Rosatom updated an agreement with the central Asian country, Uzbekistan, for new nuclear power plants. A previous deal for six SMRs was upgraded significantly to two VVER-1000 units and two 55 MW SMRs in the same location. The proposed reactors are terrestrial versions of Rosatom's marine reactor, the RITM-200N reactor, currently used in icebreakers. Agreements were also signed covering the key terms for future fuel supply contracts. Initial construction works are expected to start in 2026. Industrial Info is tracking five related projects worth more than US$15 billion in investment. Subscribers to Industrial Info's Global Market Intelligence (GMI) Project Database can click here for the reports.

"Uzbekistan will become the first country in the world to build an integrated nuclear power plant, where both a modern small-scale nuclear power plant and a large-scale nuclear power plant will be operated simultaneously on a single site," commented Alexey Likhachev, Rosatom Director General.

Industrial Info Resources (IIR) is the leading provider of industrial market intelligence. Since 1983, IIR has provided comprehensive research, news and analysis on the industrial process, manufacturing and energy related industries. IIR's Global Market Intelligence (GMI) helps companies identify and pursue trends across multiple markets with access to real, qualified and validated plant and project opportunities. Across the world, IIR is tracking over 200,000 current and future projects worth $17.8 Trillion (USD).