Why it matters:
The Bushehr nuclear power plant, built with Russian assistance, remains Iran’s only operational reactor. The new agreement marks a shift toward larger-scale nuclear infrastructure, enabling Iran to meet rising domestic energy needs while strengthening scientific and technological collaboration with Moscow.
The big picture:
The agreement, signed between Iran’s Hormoz Company and Russia’s Atom Project Company, paves the way for the construction of four third-generation nuclear power units in Sirik, Hormozgan Province. With a combined capacity of nearly 5,000 megawatts, the project stands as one of Iran’s most ambitious nuclear initiatives since the launch of the Bushehr plant.
What he's saying:
Behrouz Kamalvandi, spokesman for the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI): “The World Atomic Forum, marking the 80th anniversary of Russia’s nuclear activities, gave Mr. Eslami and his delegation the chance to tour several Russian nuclear facilities. During those visits, negotiations and agreements were reached—particularly on constructing nuclear power plants larger than Bushehr, with a capacity of 1,200 megawatts each, for a total of nearly 5,000 megawatts across four units in southern Iran.”
On small-scale modular reactors, Kamalvandi noted: “The future is moving toward modular, replicable reactors. We can obtain a significant share of this technology from Russia. A memorandum of understanding has been signed, and a Russian team will visit Iran for follow-up discussions.”
He added: “Overall, this trip was very successful and laid the groundwork for broader cooperation in building both large and small nuclear power plants, as well as in fields such as fusion and radiopharmaceuticals. God willing, relations between the two countries in this area will continue to expand.”
Context: The project followed talks held during AEOI chief Mohammad Eslami’s recent visit to Moscow.
ِDetails:
- Deal worth $25 billion for four third-generation nuclear units.
- Plants to be built in Sirik, Hormozgan Province, with a combined capacity of nearly 5,000 MW.
- Cooperation also extends to small modular reactors, nuclear fusion, and radiopharmaceuticals.
Go deeper:
Iran, Russia to Sign Deal on New Nuclear Power Plants
Zohre Khazaee - Neda Sajjadi
