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Russia-Iran cooperation in nuclear industry still promising
14.09.2016
A solemn ceremony was held in Iran to place the first stone as part of the project to build the Bushehr 2 nuclear power plant as part of Russia-Iran cooperation. The contract provides for building the second and third power-generating units of the nuclear power plant. The Russian delegation was led by Rosatom Director General Sergei Kiriyenko. President of ASE Group Valery Limarenko took part in the ceremony. The Iranian side was represented by First Vice President of Iran Eshaq Jahangiri and Vice President of Iran, President of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran Ali Akbar Salehi.
The new reactors will use a three-plus generation design that has been certified by EUR (the European association of nuclear power plant operators). The Bushehr 2 project will implement unique technologies and state-of-the-art solutions as well as a new safety concept.
“The construction of the first stage of the Bushehr nuclear power plant has proven that Russia always honors its commitments to foreign partners. The second stage of the project represents Rosatom’s practical contribution to the expansion of Russian-Iranian cooperation and a serious step towards bolstering Russia’s stance on the international market of peaceful nuclear technologies in the promising macroregion of the Middle East,” stated Sergei Kiriyenko.
According to Valery Limarenko, the first power-generating unit of the Bushehr nuclear power plant is a unique installation, which is unparalleled in the world. “We have managed to integrate Russian equipment into the constructions previously erected using German designs. Success was secured thanks to professional and selfless work of Russian and Iranian specialists, who continue working to build Iran’s first nuclear power plant. Today we are starting to build the Bushehr 2 nuclear power plant. We are confident that the project will be a success,” noted Valery Limarenko.
Leonid Gusev, an expert of the analysis center of the Moscow State University of International Relations of the Russian Federation Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told media that the beginning of construction of the second stage of the Bushehr nuclear power plant indicates that Russia and Iran still consider cooperation in nuclear industry promising and effective in modern conditions, BelTA has learned. After sanctions were lifted from Iran, all the leading players demonstrate interest in the country’s energy market, but the experience of successful operation of the first power-generating unit of the Bushehr nuclear power plant convinced Iran to stick to Russian nuclear technologies.
The Russian offer looks most appealing at present: Rosatom offers a modern VVER-1000 design to Iran, which meets the new safety requirements introduced after the Fukushima nuclear power plant accident. The design used for the Kudankulam nuclear power plant in India is a reference one for the Bushehr 2 project. Over there the first reactor already generates electricity for consumers and demonstrates good performance — its performance factor exceeds the design by 2.4%, its output exceeds the design by 2.5%, and its readiness factor exceeds the design by 8%.
Iran intends to build eight reactors in cooperation with Russia. Putting efforts into nuclear energy development is no longer something extraordinary in the Middle East. Jordan, which has no hydrocarbon reserves of its own, shows interest in nuclear technologies. Top oil producers like Saudi Arabia and the UAE show interest as well. The two countries will be able to use nuclear reactors to generate cheap electricity for domestic needs and export hydrocarbons without harming the environment.
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