Head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) says Bushehr nuclear power plant is undergoing safety checks to become ready for transfer to Iran’s full control.

“Bushehr nuclear power plant should undergo a series of tests before we can take over the temporary control of the plant from Russians after which it should operate for 7,000 to 8,000 hours before the full control can be handed over to Iranian specialists,” Fereydoun Abbasi said on Saturday.

He further noted that technical tests must be properly conducted so that the AEOI can ascertain the safety of the power plant.


Iran signed a deal with Russia in 1995, according to which the plant was originally scheduled for completion in 1999. However, the project was repeatedly delayed by the Russian side due to intense pressure exerted on Moscow by the United States and its Western allies.

In September 2011, the Bushehr nuclear power plant officially began its operations, generating electricity at 40 percent of its capacity.

The 1000-megawatt plant, which is operating under the full supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), reached its maximum power generation capacity for the first time in August 2012.

Iran and Russia have assured the international community that the plant is fully compliant with high-level safety standards and IAEA safeguards.
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News ID 184452