Iran Signs Agreement for Eight New Nuclear Power Units
The deal with Rosatom accelerates plans to reach 20 gigawatts of nuclear capacity by 2041.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Nuclear
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Rosatom has signed new agreements to develop eight nuclear power units in Iran, aiming to support the country's goal of reaching 20 gigawatts of capacity by 2041. These planned units supplement existing projects at the Bushehr site, where the second and third reactors remain under construction.
Why it matters
The expansion marks a significant push to increase Iran's energy infrastructure through Russian-led nuclear development. This move is intended to help the nation meet a long-term target of 20 gigawatts of nuclear power by 2041 despite past geopolitical volatility.
The second and third units at the Bushehr plant provide a combined capacity of 2,100 megawatts. As of May 2026, the second unit reactor reached 60% completion, while steam generators were at 50%.
The players
Rosatom
The Russian state corporation specializing in nuclear energy, responsible for the design, construction, and operation of global nuclear power plants.
Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant
The only currently operating nuclear power station in Iran, serving as the primary hub for Russian-led nuclear infrastructure development.
The details
Russian engineering teams utilize standard pressurized water reactor designs for these units, which use light water as a coolant and neutron moderator to sustain nuclear fission. Specialists returned to the site in August 2026 to continue assembly, with plans to scale the workforce to 700 personnel. The assembly process involves modular construction techniques where large steel components, such as steam generators — heat exchangers that convert water into steam to drive turbines — are installed incrementally.
Timeline
2013: Rosatom delivered the first unit of the Bushehr plant.
2016: Construction began on the second phase of the Bushehr project.
February 28, 2026: United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran.
October 2026: Rosatom signed the current agreement for eight new nuclear units.
The Tech Race
This deal functions as a foundational step toward Iran's 2041 goal of 20 gigawatts of nuclear power capacity. It aligns with the country's long-term energy planning, which relies on consistent international collaboration to bypass technical and logistical hurdles.
The expansion will significantly increase the baseload electricity available to the national grid once these reactors come online. Real-world implementation depends on the continued mobilization of Russian specialists, who are currently scaling up to 700 personnel at the site.
The takeaway
The development confirms a continued reliance on Russian engineering to grow Iran's energy sector. Watch for the 2027 shipment of key reactor equipment as the next milestone for the current Bushehr expansion project.
What happens next
Rosatom plans to begin shipping key equipment for the Bushehr plant in 2027.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in Nuclear technology.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Türkiye Today.
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