Bushehr nuclear plant: Costly build, limited output
Despite official claims of global excellence, Iran’s only operational nuclear power plant in Bushehr has underperformed in both energy output and return on investment.
Reza Benazadeh, CEO of the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant Operating Company, recently said the facility ranks among the world’s top six nuclear plants. Yet, operations are currently paused, with a restart scheduled for the peak summer demand in July and August.
By the numbers:
- Bushehr has delivered 65 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity to the national grid from its launch in 2011 through the end of the Persian year 1403 (March 2025).
- That accounts for less than 1% of Iran’s average annual electricity production, which stands at around 380 TWh.
- The plant’s annual capacity is 8.7 TWh, but actual yearly production has averaged under 5.5 TWh — less than 65% of capacity.
- Over a decade, it has gone through 10 fuel reloads, requiring 2–3 months of downtime each.
Yes, but: While the plant is touted domestically, the official data from the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran contradicts the performance claims.
Between the lines: Built and operated with Russian help by state-owned Rosatom — a company under U.S. sanctions — the plant’s economics also raise red flags.
The total estimated value of electricity produced since launch is $4.35 billion, while construction costs are estimated between $8 billion and $11 billion.
In other words, over a decade later, the plant hasn’t recouped even half of its upfront investment.
