Russia Prepping Nuclear Power Plant Construction in Iran

Iran and Russia are enhancing their collaboration in the development of the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant. The partnership on the construction of the Bushehr NPP, the Middle East’s inaugural nuclear facility, is ongoing. The plant’s first reactor started operating in 2011. Next development followed in 2014 with an agreement between Iran’s Nuclear Power Production and Development Company (NPPD) and Atomstroyexport, a subsidiary of Russia’s state nuclear energy corporation, Rosatom on 2nd and 3rd reactors construction.

Despite previous setbacks and challenges in the diplomatic relations between Iran and Russia, progress has been made in resolving issues related to Iranian financial obligations. It appears that Russia is now intensifying efforts to recruit experts for the continuation of the project in Iran. Job listings on the Russian employment website hh.ru reveal that Rosatom’s Engineering division is seeking various specialists for the Bushehr site, including chief-roles in destruction control, logistics, production, and technical equipment management, among other senior positions. Most of them are dated from second half of January 2024.

Vacancies are available for the roles of Chief Demolition Specialist and Chief Human Resources Specialist. Source: hh.ru

A specific vacancy for a fixture worker confirmed the location as the Bushehr site, even thought the posts lack the information of the facility limiting the mentions to “Iranian site” or “the Middle East”. The majority of these job openings are with Trest-RosEM, a Rosatom affiliate specializing in the production and installation of steel and concrete structures for nuclear facilities. These listings suggest that Rosatom is gearing up to commence construction on new reactors at the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant by assembling a team of both high-level experts and operational staff.

Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant on 11/23/2021. Source: Google Earth/Maxar

The original construction of the nuclear power plant was initiated by the German company Siemens, but the project remained incomplete due to sanctions imposed on Iran. By 2011, the first reactor was completed and connected to Iran’s national power grid. However, the second reactor still remains unfinished and is slated for demolition.

In a media release available on Rosatom’s website, the construction project of these reactors is heralded as the most significant Russo-Iranian collaboration, representing a symbol of cooperation between current and future generations. The director of Atomstroyexport, a key player in this venture, has also stated that Rosatom will be working in tandem with local Iranian companies in the construction of the plant. Additionally, the Engineering Division is also recruiting a chief translator proficient in Persian, confirming the location and significance of the language exchange between Russian and Iranian specialists.

The construction of new housing areas North from the plant is visible on the satellite imagery. Source: Google Earth/ Airbus

Given the heightened international criticism surrounding the Iranian nuclear program, the prospect of improved relations with Russia introduces the possibility of enhanced nuclear cooperation between the two nations. Monitoring this evolving dynamic is essential, as the nature of atomic technologies often implies potential dual-use applications across various fields.