Open house at Iran's first nuclear power plant

Iran led international media on a tour of its first nuclear power plant today, an invitation that followed US accusations that it is designed for weapons technology, not energy production.

More than 80 journalists and photographers toured the under-construction Bushehr nuclear plant in southern Iran, the first time outsiders were allowed into the plant.

“Over 70% of the work has been accomplished. The Bushehr nuclear power plant is nearing completion,” said Assadollah Sabori, deputy head of Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran.

He said Russia has installed all major components needed for the plant to operate.

“The main thing left is shipping nuclear fuel from Russia, which is expected to take place in May,” he said.

Washington has accused Iran of seeking to secretly develop nuclear weapons, a charge Iran denies, saying the 1,000 megawatt Bushehr plant is part of efforts to meet the growing electricity needs of its 66 million population.

Iran has approved a plan to produce 6,000 megawatts of power through nuclear energy by 2020.

Last week, the White House challenged Iran’s claims that the plant is strictly for energy production.

“We completely reject Iran’s claim that it is doing so for peaceful purposes,” said White House spokesman Ari Fleischer, saying Iran sits on one of the world’s largest oil and gas reserves. State Department spokesman Richard Boucher called Iran’s nuclear weapons programme robust.

But Naser Shariflou, head of Bushehr, said Tuesday that it is a light water plant. “Simply, it is impossible to make a bomb with a plant like this,” he said.

Shariflou said the International Atomic Energy Organisation has already installed preparatory equipment, including cameras to monitor the plant’s activity.

“Everything will be under the direct supervision of the IAEA. Even the spent nuclear fuel will be watched closely by IAEA cameras here before it is shipped to Russia,” he said.