A memorandum of understanding (MOU) on cooperation in construction of small-scale nuclear power plants (SMRs) in Iran has been signed between the Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran (AEOI) and Rosatom. The MOU was signed by Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev and AEOI head Mohammad Eslami, who was in Moscow to attend Rosatom’s World Atomic Week.

The agreement was concluded in order to expand cooperation in the field of peaceful uses of atomic energy to promote sustainable development, energy security and technological progress and in accordance with the national laws and international obligations of the two countries.

AEOI said that, in line with the implementation of this understanding, contracts for the design and construction of power plants based SMRs will be drawn up and signed. “These reactors will play an important role in the development of technical knowledge and nuclear technology and industries related to the manufacture of power plant tools and equipment in Iran. In addition, the acquisition of small-scale modular reactor technology (SMR) can provide a new capacity to power large industries and balance the electricity network.