Iran, Russia In Talks to Expand Bushehr, Its Sole Nuclear Plant

Iran seeks two new energy units at site

Iran’s nuclear agency says that they are in talks with Russia about expansions to the Bushehr Power Plant. Iran wants two new electricity generation units at the plant.

Russia built the Bushehr nuclear plant in 2013, and it generates 1,000 MW of power. Iran says their goal is to scale up to 10,000 MW, though its not clear how much is being sought just now.

Bushehr is Iran’s lone nuclear plant, operating on low-enriched uranium. Iran is keen to add to its nuclear power resources, so as to leave more oil for export.

Though the US tends to complain about Iran’s civilian nuclear program, this is perfectly legal under international law, and poses no proliferation risk whatsoever.

Author: Jason Ditz

Jason Ditz is Senior Editor for Antiwar.com. He has 20 years of experience in foreign policy research and his work has appeared in The American Conservative, Responsible Statecraft, Forbes, Toronto Star, Minneapolis Star-Tribune, Providence Journal, Washington Times, and the Detroit Free Press.