Russia Eyes Small Nuclear Power Plants in Iran for Remote Regions

Alexander Efimov, Russia’s temporary trade representative in Iran, told RIA Novosti that small-scale nuclear plants are increasingly in demand in Iranian regions and industrial zones that do not require large conventional power stations. “This approach offers a modern, reliable, and eco-friendly electricity solution for areas that cannot support large nuclear facilities,” Efimov said.

Iran currently operates the Bushehr nuclear power plant, which was developed with Russian assistance. The first unit of Bushehr was connected to Iran’s national grid in September 2011. Construction is now underway on the plant’s second phase, which will add two additional units.

In September 2025, Iran and Russia signed a $25 billion agreement to build four new units in Hormozgan province for the Hormoz nuclear power plant. Alongside this, the two countries signed a memorandum of understanding to cooperate specifically on the construction of small nuclear plants across Iran.

Efimov emphasized that small-scale nuclear facilities could offer a strategic solution for regions with limited infrastructure, providing both consistent energy supply and reduced environmental impact, and representing a growing area of Russian-Iranian collaboration in the energy sector.