Iran to begin construction of new nuclear reactor

Mohammad Eslami, Director of the Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran, has said that Iran plans to start construction of the nuclear reactor of the Karoun nuclear power plant this autumn. 

The Karoun nuclear power plant, whose construction contract was once awarded to France, has been dormant since the 1979 Islamic Revolution when the foreign partner withdrew from the project, Caliber.Az reports, citing Iranian media.

Eslami said the project has been revived in line with Iran's strategic plan to generate 20,000 megawatts of electricity by 2022.

He added that land ownership issues have been resolved, site preparation is underway and the necessary construction equipment is being installed.

The head of the Atomic Energy Organisation said the pouring of concrete for the first "nuclear island", i.e. the complex of facilities for the nuclear reactor operation, was scheduled for this autumn.

"This endeavour not only marks a significant step towards energy independence but also aims to bridge Iran's fifty-year gap in nuclear energy production," he added.

The nuclear power plant is expected to be built and commissioned by Iranian forces without the involvement of foreign intermediaries.