Nuclear energy in Iran: history and outlook

Iran, a country located in the Middle East, has a diversified energy sector, with electricity generation coming mainly from fossil fuel-fired thermal power plants (90.6%), hydroelectric power plants (7.2%) and nuclear power plants (2.2%) [1]. This article will focus on Iran’s history, technologies and innovative nuclear power projects.

Iran began producing nuclear power in 2011 with the commissioning of its first VVER-1000 reactor at the Bouchehr nuclear power plant. The country plans to build new nuclear power plants and explore innovative reactor technologies to expand its nuclear energy production. However, Iran’s nuclear program remains a matter of international concern due to nuclear proliferation issues and uncertainty surrounding the future of the Iran nuclear deal.

History of nuclear power production in Iran

The history of nuclear power in Iran dates back to the 1950s, when the country joined the United States’ “Atoms for Peace” program [2]. The program aimed to promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy and facilitate international cooperation in nuclear research and development. In the 1970s, Iran launched an ambitious civil nuclear program and began construction of its first nuclear power plant at Bouchehr [3]. However, work was interrupted by the Iranian revolution of 1979 and the Iran-Iraq war (1980-1988). Construction of the Bouchehr nuclear power plant resumed in 1995 with the help of Russia, which provided funding and technology for the project [4]. After several delays, the first reactor at the Bouchehr NPP was commissioned in September 2011, marking the start of nuclear power generation in Iran [5].

Nuclear reactor technologies used in Iran

The Bouchehr nuclear power plant is equipped with a VVER-1000 reactor, designed by the Russian company Atomstroyexport [6]. VVER reactors are pressurized water reactors (PWRs) that use ordinary water as moderator and coolant, and enriched uranium as fuel [7]. The VVER-1000 reactor at Bouchehr has a capacity of 1,000 MWe and is the only nuclear reactor in operation in Iran [5].

Innovative power plant and reactor projects

Iran intends to expand its nuclear energy production by building new nuclear power plants. In November 2014, Iran and Russia signed an agreement to build two new VVER-1000 reactors at the Bouchehr nuclear power plant, with the possibility of adding six more reactors at other sites [8]. Construction of the two new reactors at Bouchehr began in 2017, although their completion has been delayed due to various factors, including restrictions linked to international sanctions [9].

In addition to expanding the Bouchehr plant, Iran is also exploring innovative reactor technologies. The Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) announced in 2018 that it was working on a liquid metal-cooled fast-neutron reactor project, which could offer advantages in terms of nuclear safety, efficiency and waste management [10]. However, details of this project remain limited due to the sensitive nature of Iran’s nuclear program and international sanctions.

It is important to note that Iran’s nuclear program has raised international concerns about nuclear proliferation and the potential use of nuclear energy for military purposes. The 2015 Iran nuclear deal, also known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), aimed to limit Iran’s nuclear activities in exchange for relief from economic sanctions. However, tensions rose after the United States withdrew from the agreement in 2018 and reimposed sanctions [11]. Since then, Iran has taken steps to reduce its commitments under the agreement, leading to ongoing international negotiations in an attempt to restore compliance and preserve the deal [12].

Iran’s nuclear reactors

Reactor nameTechModelMweTWhConstructionStartGridConnecLoad factor
BUSHEHR-1PWRVVERV-44691551.96may 1975sept. 201165.2%
BUSHEHR-2PWRV-528VVER-1000AES-92GIII 974sept. 2019

Countries producing nuclear power

  1. United States: 94,718 GW
  2. France: 61,370 GW
  3. China: 53,170 GW
  4. Russia: 27,727 GW
  5. South Korea: 24,489 GW
  6. Japan: 16,321 GW
  7. Canada: 13,624 GW
  8. Ukraine: 13,107 GW

References