"Russia Has Not Forgotten the Help in Time of Need": Iran Reports that "Rosatom" Will Build 8 Reactors

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Groundbreaking Ceremony for the Second Phase of Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant. Photo.

Tehran announced that the Russian State Atomic Energy Corporation (Rosatom) will build eight nuclear power plant units in Iran. Experts pointed out that Russia has not forgotten the help provided by Iran during difficult times, and Iran is an attractive market for "Rosatom".

Ibrahim Rezaei, a representative of the National Security and Foreign Policy Committee of the Iranian Parliament, quoted Mohammad Eslami, the head of the Iranian Atomic Energy Organization, as saying that Iran has signed a contract with Rosatom to add eight new nuclear power plant units in the country.

"According to the contract signed with Russia, Iran will build eight nuclear power plants (obviously referring to reactors —— Editor's note), four of which will be located in Bushehr," Rezaei told the media, reported the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA).

In 2011, "Rosatom" launched the first unit of the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, began construction of the second unit in 2019, and the third unit is also under planning. It was previously planned to be completed in 2025 and 2027 respectively.

"We are fully committed to providing assistance within all our obligations framework. The second and third units of the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant are currently under construction, but obviously, due to various reasons, the construction speed depends on the progress achieved by the client." Alexei Likhachev, CEO of "Rosatom", once said.

In January this year, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated during his meeting with Iranian President Mohammad Pesehkiyan that the construction schedule of new units of the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant had been slightly delayed due to payment issues.

"We have a large project in the field of nuclear energy. One unit of the (Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant —— ITAR-TASS) has successfully operated. We are currently discussing the possibility of building more units. Yes, the relevant plans have been slightly postponed, which is related to financial settlement and payments —— this is not a secret. But regardless, work is still ongoing, the project is progressing, and moving forward." Putin said, reported by ITAR-TASS.

The Iranian president then said that agreements regarding the construction of new units of the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant might be finalized during the meeting.

"Our agreement on the construction of the nuclear power plant is very good news. I think we can finalize the agreement in this regard today. I have done my best to eliminate all problems that existed on our side until now." The Iranian president said.

Alexander Uvarov, director of the "Nuclear Information Center", pointed out that the advancement of the new project was expected and gratifying, as Iran is a long-term partner of Russia in the field of nuclear energy.

"We have not forgotten that Iran paid the construction costs of the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant in cash during the difficult times of our nuclear industry." The expert said.

According to him, the Iranian market has broad prospects, and Tehran plans to construct nuclear power plant units with a total installed capacity of 20 gigawatts.

"Of course, it would be even better if 'Rosatom' could obtain most of the orders. The locations for the new nuclear power plants in Iran have already been determined, mainly in the south, which is related to water resource access." Alexander Uvarov said.

"With personnel, factories, and funds in place, the project will definitely achieve results on time." The director of the "Nuclear Information Center" added.

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7514248783689990697/

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