The Bushehr nuclear plant in Iran is expanding rapidly as 700 Russian specialists join the construction effort. The facility is adding its second and third units to significantly increase power output. Rosatom, Russia’s state nuclear corporation, confirmed its experts are installing key structural components on site.
Alexey Likhachev, Rosatom’s Director General, said teams are placing massive two-thousand-ton blocks for the new units. About 3,000 specialists, including the 700 Russians, are involved in the project. Likhachev highlighted that construction is progressing steadily, with key milestones being achieved on schedule.
Earlier this year, Iran and Russia strengthened their nuclear partnership. In September, Likhachev and Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization chief, Mohammad Eslami, signed a memorandum to cooperate on small nuclear plants. This partnership helps Iran advance its energy program while learning advanced technical skills from Russian experts.
Reza Banazadeh, head of the Bushehr facility, said Iran plans to expand nuclear capacity over the next 18 years. The second unit will take roughly ten years to complete, and the third about eight years. Once operational, the three units will generate a combined 3,100 megawatts of electricity, enhancing Iran’s energy security.
Banazadeh also emphasized that 2,000 Iranian specialists currently operate the Bushehr nuclear plant. They manage all critical roles, from control room operations to maintenance, demonstrating strong domestic expertise alongside Russian support.
During the Iran-Israel conflict in June, an Israeli military claim mistakenly reported strikes on the facility. Russian President Vladimir Putin later confirmed Israel agreed to protect over 200 Russian employees at the plant. Likhachev reassured that the situation at the Bushehr nuclear plant remained stable.
The addition of 700 Russian specialists strengthens the project and ensures timely completion. The Bushehr nuclear plant now stands as a symbol of international collaboration combined with Iran’s domestic capability. With this expansion, the Bushehr nuclear plant will provide a reliable electricity supply for decades, reflecting Iran’s long-term energy ambitions and technological growth.