Don’t Bomb Iran

Novosti reports Iran and the Russian company building the Bushehr reactor have revised the scheduled start up of the reactor to the second half of 2007. The commissioning date of the $1 billon plant has already slipped several times; for example, in 2002 it was announced that it would come on line in late 2003, and latest forecast was 2006.

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Atomstroiexport, Iran’s Atomic Energy Organisation discuss Bushehr NPP construction

MOSCOW, August 23 (RIA Novosti) - Atomstroiexport and Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization discussed Tuesday the implementation of the Bushehr nuclear power plant construction schedule, the Russian nuclear power equipment and service export monopoly said Wednesday.

Russia is helping to build an $800 million plant in Bushehr, 400 kilometers (250 miles) southwest of Tehran, which was previously scheduled to become operational by the end of 2006.

Atomstroiexport’s news release said the talks also touched on equipment deliveries, start-up operations and the training of personnel, as well as the production of NPP equipment directly in Iranian enterprises.

Atomstroiexport is building the Bushehr NPP’s first power unit under a $1 billion contract signed by Russia and Iran in 1995. In line with the renewed schedule, the plant’s commissioning is scheduled for the second half of 2007.

Atomstroiexport is a leading Russian organization implementing intergovernmental agreements on the construction of nuclear facilities abroad. The company is currently building five power plants in China, India and Iran.