Iran will start the construction of the first unit at a second Bushehr NPP in March, Russian news sources reported. The first stage envisages construction of the first unit with Russian assistance, according to, Ali Akbar Salehi, head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran. The total cost of the project is estimated at $11bn, Salehi said.
Russia's Atomstroyexport will be responsible for implementation of the project.
In December of 2015, Russia and Iran held a meeting discussing prospects of cooperation in the nuclear industry and the construction of new Russia-designed nuclear reactors in Iran. Earlier, the head of Russian state nuclear corporation Rosatom, Sergey Kiriyenko, said work on the construction of new power units in Iran would begin in the autumn of 2015.
In early November 2014, Russia and Iran signed a package of agreements for the construction of eight nuclear reactors. The contract for the construction of the second phase of Bushehr NPP is for two units. According to the agreement, four more reactors will be built at other sites yet to be determined. Iran will fund the construction of the second and third units.
