Russia considers building small nuclear plants in Iran

Russia is studying the possibility of building small nuclear power plants in Iran to supply electricity to remote regions and industrial clusters, a Russian official based in Tehran has said.

Alexey Efimov, Russia’s temporary trade representative to Iran, said that such projects could meet growing demand for reliable power in areas that do not require large-scale facilities, Caliber.Az reports via Iranian media.

“The construction of small nuclear power plants is being considered in Iran. This is a new and popular solution, especially for remote regions and industrial clusters that do not need large power plants but need a reliable and environmentally friendly source of electricity,” Efimov said.

Iran currently operates one nuclear power plant at Bushehr, which was built with Russian assistance. The first unit of the plant was connected to Iran’s national electricity grid in September 2011.

Construction of a second phase at Bushehr, comprising two additional units, is underway with Russian participation.

In September 2025, Iran and Russia also signed an agreement to build four new nuclear power units in Hormozgan province in southern Iran. The project, valued at around $25 billion, will form the Hormoz nuclear power plant.

In addition, Moscow and Tehran have signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in the construction of small nuclear power plants in Iran, signalling broader collaboration in the country’s nuclear energy sector.

By Aghakazim Guliyev