Iran to receive new nuclear power plant as talks progress with Russia

Russian state-run nuclear energy company Rosatom is in talks to construct another nuclear power plant in Iran.

During a discussion at the Future Technologies Forum in Moscow on February 23, Rosatom CEO Alexei Likhachev revealed that the company is negotiating the development of new nuclear energy sites in Iran, Caliber.Az reports referring to foreing media outlets.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian visited Moscow earlier in January to discuss a partnership deal between the two nations concerning energy cooperation. Iran is looking to boost its power generation capacity, as the country has been experiencing frequent blackouts due to electricity shortages.

“We are conducting another [round of] large-scale negotiations on the next site for developing nuclear energy in Iran,” Likhachev stated at the forum. While he confirmed that a location for the new nuclear power station has been selected, he did not disclose its specific site. “The start of work is still a long way off,” he added.

Likhachev also highlighted the proactive role that the Iranian government is taking in promoting nuclear energy, stating, “We see Iran’s government taking an active stance in advancing nuclear energy. On our end, we are accelerating our efforts and are engaged in large-scale negotiations regarding the next site for nuclear energy development in Iran.”

Iran currently operates one nuclear reactor, a 1,000-MW Russian-designed VVER unit located in the southern port city of Bushehr along the Persian Gulf. Two additional VVER-1000 units are under construction at the Bushehr site. Construction of Unit 2 began in 2019, with commercial operation now expected in 2029, after earlier reports had suggested it could be operational in 2024. Iranian media recently reported that the installation of safety equipment for Unit 2 commenced in February, alongside excavation work for the water cooling pump houses for both units.

The Bushehr nuclear power station, which began operations in 2013, is currently Iran's only active nuclear power plant. Last year, construction on Unit 3 started, which, once completed, will expand Bushehr’s power generation capacity to approximately 3,000 MW. Likhachev confirmed that Rosatom is working “very actively” with Iran on the expansion project.

In addition to Bushehr, Iran is also constructing a smaller, 300-MW nuclear plant in Khuzestan province, near the western border with Iraq. This smaller plant is expected to begin operations by 2030.

The energy cooperation between Russia and Iran is part of a broader effort to strengthen bilateral ties. Russian President Vladimir Putin has described the agreements between the two countries as a part of a “comprehensive strategic partnership,” emphasizing the ambitious goals set for deepening long-term cooperation between the two nations.

By Tamilla Hasanova