Wedoany.com Report-Oct. 7, During Rosatom’s World Atomic Week in Moscow, the Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran (AEOI) and Russia’s Rosatom signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to collaborate on constructing small modular reactors (SMRs) in Iran. The agreement, finalized by AEOI head Mohammad Eslami and Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev, aims to advance peaceful nuclear energy for sustainable development, energy security, and technological progress, adhering to both nations’ laws and international obligations.

“The meeting took place in an atmosphere of mutual trust, openness and constructiveness,” Rosatom stated. The MoU paves the way for contracts to design and build SMR-based power plants, which are expected to enhance Iran’s technical expertise and nuclear industry capabilities. “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,” AEOI noted, highlighting SMRs’ potential to power large industries and stabilize the electricity grid.

Eslami’s Moscow visit included tours of manufacturing facilities, meetings with research institutions, and discussions to strengthen educational and research cooperation. He emphasized ongoing progress in joint projects, including the construction of the second and third units of the Bushehr nuclear power plant in southern Iran, a priority for both Tehran and Moscow. “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,” Eslami said.

The Bushehr project, initiated in 1975 but paused in 1979, resumed in 1992 with Russian VVER-1000 technology. Its first unit was connected to the grid in September 2011 and transferred to Iran in September 2013. Eslami noted that Iran and Russia have agreed to build eight additional nuclear power plants, targeting a 20GWe capacity by 2040. Preparations for these projects, including site selection and engineering studies, are complete, with formal agreements expected soon to initiate construction.

The collaboration strengthens Iran’s nuclear energy infrastructure, leveraging Rosatom’s expertise to support sustainable energy goals. The focus on SMRs and large-scale plants underscores a shared commitment to advancing clean energy solutions and fostering industrial growth through technological innovation.