 Iran, Russia to start constructing two nuclear reactors September 2, 2016 - 12:53 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Iran and Russia are to begin construction on two new nuclear reactors at Iran’s Bushehr nuclear power plant, the head of the Atomic Energy Organization in Tehran said late Wednesday, August 31, AFP reports. The Islamic Republic is seeking to reduce its reliance on oil and gas with 20 nuclear facilities planned over the coming years, including nine being built with Russian firms. “Operations to build two new nuclear power [units] in Bushehr will start on Sept. 10 and it will take 10 years for the power [units] to be completed,” Ali Akbar Salehi said, according to the state-run IRNA news agency. He said the new reactors would cost an estimated $10 billion and lead to a saving of 22 million barrels of oil per year. Russia built the 1,000 megawatt reactor at Bushehr on the Gulf coast that came online in 2013. In November 2014, it signed a “cooperation contract” to help build the two new reactors on the same site, along with plans to eventually construct nine reactors across Iran. Two of these may also come up at Bushehr, taking the total number of reactors at the site to five. Tehran repeatedly fended off Western and Israeli accusations that its program was aimed at producing a bomb, insisting it is for purely civilian use.   Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads.   Partner news |  Latest news Pasadena to host Armenian Genocide commemoration event  The Pasadena Armenian Coalition will host its community-wide Armenian Genocide Commemorative Event.Armenia: Opposition activist transferred to Investigative Committee Activist Samvel Vardanyan has been accused of insulting the lawmaker Hakob Aslanyan from the ruling Civil Contract party.Former Pashinyan envoy urges end to Genocide speculation Marukyan has urged authorities in Armenia stop discussions about verifying the names of 1.5 million victims.Azerbaijan, Jordan sign deal on defense cooperation Azerbaijan and Jordan have signed an agreement on cooperation in the field of defense, according to an official statement. |
