Russia expands specialist team at Iran's Bushehr nuclear plant

According to a report by Mehr News Agency (MNA), Russia has expanded its specialist team at Iran's Bushehr nuclear power plant. Alexey Likhachev, the head of Russia's state nuclear energy corporation Rosatom, noted that the total number of Russian personnel at the facility has reached 25, with plans to expand the workforce to 100 specialists by autumn. He further confirmed that construction remains ongoing for the reactor buildings of Units 2 and 3 at the Bushehr plant.

The Bushehr nuclear power plant is Iran's first civilian nuclear power reactor, located on the Persian Gulf coast. Unit 1 was completed with Russian assistance and began operation in 2011. Units 2 and 3 are part of a broader agreement between Iran and Russia to expand the plant's capacity, with construction having started in 2019. The expansion is part of Iran's efforts to increase its nuclear energy generation, despite international sanctions and scrutiny over its nuclear program.

The presence of Russian specialists underscores the ongoing cooperation between Tehran and Moscow in the nuclear energy sector. This collaboration has continued despite geopolitical tensions, including Western sanctions on both countries. The expansion of the Russian team is expected to facilitate the progress of construction and ensure the safe and efficient completion of the new units.

The report did not provide specific timelines for the completion of Units 2 and 3, but the ongoing work indicates a long-term commitment to the project. The Bushehr plant is seen as a symbol of Iran-Russia cooperation, and the expansion of the specialist team reflects the deepening ties between the two nations in the energy sector.

According to the Mehr News Agency, Likhachev's statements were made during a recent visit or meeting, though the exact context was not detailed in the report. The expansion of the team to 100 specialists by autumn suggests a significant increase in activity at the site, likely to accelerate construction and meet project milestones.