Iran is not starting from scratch in its journey towards nuclear power development. The operation of the Bushehr nuclear power plant has provided valuable experience in the design, operation, maintenance, and management of a large-scale nuclear power plant for the country.
Increasing Nuclear Power Capacity
The target of 20,000 megawatts of nuclear power capacity indicates that the development of this energy is set to play a more prominent role in Iran's electricity generation mix. This goal requires long-term planning, securing financial resources, technology development, and training specialized human resources.
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Small Modular Reactors (SMR)
Small modular reactors or SMRs are among the technologies that have attracted significant attention from many countries and nuclear industry stakeholders in recent years. The main feature of these reactors is their lower production capacity compared to conventional nuclear power plants, modular design, and the ability to construct standard units and develop capacity incrementally. This feature could also be considered for Iran, especially in areas where large industries require stable and continuous electricity.
The new generation of small-scale nuclear power plants could provide a solution to the challenges of ensuring sustainable electricity supply. Additionally, some designs of small reactors have been developed not only for electricity generation but also for providing the heat required by industries, combined heat and power production, and even desalination. These capabilities are particularly significant for a country like Iran, which faces challenges in providing energy for industries and limited water resources in some regions.
Combining Renewable and Nuclear Energies
The electricity imbalance in Iran is a multifaceted issue and cannot be expected to be resolved solely by developing one technology or constructing a few power plants. Increasing the capacity of solar and other renewable power plants, enhancing the efficiency of thermal power plants, developing energy storage systems, strengthening the electricity grid, and increasing the share of nuclear energy must be addressed simultaneously.
In this context, large nuclear power plants can provide significant capacity for continuous electricity generation, while small modular reactors can serve as a complementary option, allowing for incremental capacity development and energy supply for specific industrial centers and regions.
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