An Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) official has said it is not unlikely that Iran will use western companies' experience in building nuclear power plants.
Behrouz Kamalvandi referred to the country's need for nuclear energy and said, "We welcome cooperation with western companies (in building nuclear power plants)," ISNA reported on Wednesday.
Pointing to the agreements recently signed between Iran and Russia on nuclear projects, including the construction of two new nuclear power plant units in Bushehr, the official said, "The deal which was made during the recent visit of AEOI Director Ali Akbar Salehi to Moscow was the fruit of months-long negotiations between Iran and Russia."
"The signed documents were strategic and mark a turning point in the relations of the two states," he said.
"Under one agreement, which is of high significance, the two courtiers are set to cooperate on nuclear fuel (production) in Iran," he stated. He also said, "Our predicted time frame for the construction of new units is seven to eight years."
On delays in the construction of the country's first nuclear power plant in Bushehr by Russia, he said most delays were justified, adding that necessary provisions have been included in the agreements to prevent such delays.
Fuel Production at Home
Kamalvandi went on to say that the process of supplying the plants with fuel is complicated and requires Russia's cooperation, a fact which has been addressed in the agreements made between the two sides.
"Our objective is to produce fuel for our own nuclear power plants," he added.
Commenting on reports that a proposal on the transfer of enriched uranium to a third country has been made during nuclear talks with the major powers, he said, "We have never negotiated on the transfer of our nuclear fuel to another country," adding, "Iran produces primary materials for fuel, and we have been able to produce 20 percent enriched fuel for our nuclear reactors with high quality."
