Iran
As of 31 December 2022
A single VVER-1000 unit is in operation in Iran on the Persian Gulf coast at the Bushehr site, about 180 km southwest of Shiraz.
Construction commenced on a second VVER-1000 at Bushehr in 2019 and is expected to start up in 2024. A further VVER-1000 was due two years later, but construction has not yet started. In August 2022 work commenced on the country's first nuclear-powered desalination plant, located at Bushehr, with a capacity of 70,000 m3/day.
Since 2002 Iran has been the subject of IAEA inquiries concerning its possible development of nuclear weapons. In December 2022 the United Nations reported that no progress had been made on the implementation of the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), with Iran still enriching "worrying quantities" of uranium.
In February 2023 France, Germany, the UK and the USA called on Iran to comply with all its international obligations under its Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement. The following month, Iran agreed to enhance its cooperation with the IAEA, including the reinstallation of monitoring cameras at enrichment sites.
Figure Ir1. Annual electricity output (TWh) and age of reactors (years) at time of generation
Figure Ir2. Average capacity factor of reactors in Iran
Figure Ir3. Emissions avoidance through use of nuclear generation in Iran
WNN Links
Iran marks start of work for Darkhovin plant : World Nuclear News - 6 December 2022
Iran announces start-up of uranium mine : World Nuclear News - 7 February 2023