15.02.2008 // Press service of Atomstroyexport CJSC

Atomstroyexport is intensifying its work under the final stage of Bushehr NPP project

On Feb 14 representatives of Atomstroyexport CJSC and 20 contractor organizations met with their Iranian colleagues at the construction site of Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant (Iran) to discuss the final stage of the project. It was the first such big meeting at Bushehr in the previous 2.5 years.

The sides were satisfied with the results of the previous stage. The plant has been provided with fuel, which is now being stored in a special facility under IAEA’s control.

The sides pointed out substantial progress: the contractor organizations have established a constructive dialogue with the Iranian side, the problem of financing has been solved, the construction is almost over, the greater part of the equipment has already been delivered. Now, Atomstroyexport is carrying out the final stage of the project: installation and start-up activities.

The key problem is lack of personnel. In order to successfully complete the project the general contractor needs 2,300 people – twice as many as it has today. The sides are working to this end and, very shortly, are planning to recruit almost 300 new workers.

The sides outlined their plan of action under the final stage and agreed to set up a joint venture for operation of the plant after its launch. They were unanimous that the success of the project depends on the work of each of the participants.

Note

On Aug 24 1992 the governments of Russia and Iran signed an agreement for cooperation in the field of peaceful use of nuclear energy and on Aug 25 1992 they agreed to build a nuclear power plant in Iran. In Jan 1995 the sides made a contract for the completion of unit 1 of Bushehr NPP, however, the actual construction was started in 1998, when the sides concluded an additional agreement for the “turn key” construction of the plant.

Atomstroyexport CJSC continues the project started by Krafgwerk Union (Siemens/KWU) in 1974. In 1980 the concern terminated the contract following the decision of the German authorities to join the US’ embargo on equipment deliveries to Iran.

Bushehr NPP is a unique example of integration of Russian technologies into western project.

Atomstroyexport CJSC is the leading Russian organization implementing contracts for the construction of nuclear power plants abroad. After the launch of the first two units of Tianwan NPP in China, the company is building Kudankulam NPP in India, Bushehr NPP in Iran and Belene NPP in Bulgaria.