Iran's government has given priority to hydropower projects in the first and second 5-year development plans. This policy will continue in future development programs. But due to the limitations of hydro potentials and the rapid growth of electricity demand, other options are also needed to be considered for diversification purposes. The other policy of the government is to use different energy potentials for conservation measures at present time. Moreover, some conservation and energy consumption control and management measures have been implemented to control growth of the demand in recent years. In supply side, the government has launched a serious program for substitution of oil by gas as well as more exploitation of hydroelectricity in the country. Completion of Bushehr nuclear power project and implementation of a project to install 100 MW (e) from wind turbine is regarded to be a part of this diversification program.

Table 1. ESTIMATED AVAILABLE ENERGY SOURCES

* Solid, Liquid: Million tons; Gas: Billion m3; Uranium: tons; Hydro, Renewable: TW

** Reasonably Assured Conventional Resources (RAR)

Source: Energy Balance 2013, Power Ministry of IRAN & Questionnaire's of Redbook 2015

In 2011, the total primary energy consumption had been around 1601.2 million barrels equivalent of crude oil which compared to the 2010 shows growth rate of around 3.5% and comparing to the past 10 years (2001-2011), it shows an average annual growth rate around 4.6%. This comparison shows an increase in consumption trend during the recent years.

In 2011, fossil resources provided for 99.3% of primary energy of the country. Despite efforts and activities made, utilization of other energy resources has negligible share of primary energy production.

At the end of 2011, Iran’s yield of crude oil and gas condensates was estimated at around 156.53 billion of barrels. This amount comprises around 9% of the world’s total reserves of crude oil. In 2011, in the crude oil and oil by-product sector the total production showed an equivalent amount of 1595.7, imports around 33.8, export around 1029.5 and final consumption around an equivalent amount of 421.3 million barrel of crude oil which as compared to the previous years and past 10 years shows growth rates of -9.8% and 0.7%, respectively. Considering the rising trend of consumption, import and almost constant production rate of energy careers in the recent years, one might expect that in the future, Iran’s situation as one of the major oil exporter will be jeopardized, unless mix- energy policy is effectively implemented.

After crude oil, natural gas is the second source of primary energy production in Iran.

In 2011, more than 37% of total primary energy production was provided by natural gas. Iran’s natural gas reservoir is estimated at 33.2 trillion cubic meters which is around 16.2% of world natural gas reservoir. In 2011, the total production of natural gas was an equivalent amount of 947.8 and final consumption showed an equivalent amount of 652.1 million barrel of crude oil. Comparing to the past 10 years, production and consumption of gas have had an average annual growth rate of 9% and 11% respectively. Considering government’s vast program for the expansion of the gas network to the cities and villages, injection of this product to oil repository in order to increase the coefficient of recovering oil wells and covering the need for petrochemical industries would be a major task. The possibility of using of this type of energy as the only source, or exclusive source, for providing fuel for the development in the country’s electricity programs, at least in the next few years, would surely decrease [Iran’s natural gas reservoir]. Cutting off the gas needed for many of the industrial unites, transportation and even country power plants and the use of other alternative sources and fuels and oil by-products to compensate for the lack of gas in cold seasons of the years, will add to the concerns.

In 2011, among the energy careers, after crude oil and oil by-product and natural gas, electricity with 9.3% received the highest share in the final energy consumption. Nominal capacity of the country’s power plants has reached to 65222 MW which as compared to the previous year shows an increase of around 6.1%. The share of various kinds of power plants functions includes: steam (around 22.9%), gaseous and combinatorial cycle (around 42%), hydroelectric (around 13.4%), diesel, reproducible and nuclear energies (around 2.3%). The country power plant gross production was 240063 million kilowatt, which compared to the previous year shows a growth rate of 3.1% and as compared to the past year’s electricity export shows a significant change and depicts a growth rate of 29.2%. The import of electricity has increased by 21.2% and has been limited to 3656.1 million KWh. Regarding the variety of consumed fuel in power plants, one could say that in 2011 around 38901 million cubic meter of natural gas(around 79% of total consumed energy in the country and more than 25% of country’s total consumed natural gas), 9406.3 million litter of gas oil (around 25.8% of total country’s gasoil consumption), 12018.9 million litter of kiln petroleum (around 74% of country’s total consumption of fuel oil) with the total heat value of 445970 billion Kcal were reported.

In 2010, Iran’s energy consumption intensity per GDP was 619.50 ton oil equivalent. It is indicating that Iran is one of the most energy intensive countries in the world with energy intensity index of 10 times more than that of Japan and of 8.4 times more than that of EU. In 2011, per-capita energy consumption for Iran reached to 14.22 barrel equivalent of crude oil which is more than the previous year. It should be explained that annual growth rate and average annual growth rate of energy consumption during the past 10 years has been 6.7% and 5.25%, respectively.

On the other hand, fossil resources are also the main source of country’s foreign revenue and their export is the main economical provider of the country’s projects. The above statistics and factual information show that the Islamic Republic of Iran has a large and complex challenges to deal with in the field of energy due to its speedy development. Disproportionally of technical, economic and social factors of primary energy source, requirements for sustainable development, providing fuel for the power plants, providing feeding row materials for refineries and petrochemical industries using the main source of country revenue), are other various aspects of the energy challenge.

Table 2. ENERGY STATISTICS

** Energy consumption = Primary energy consumption + Net import (Import - Export) of secondary energy.

*** Solid fuels include coal, lignite

Source: Energy Balance 2013, Power Ministry of IRAN

The Ministry of Power is responsible for the development of power sector based on the energy programme, and concepts, which are approved by the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran in its 5-year development programme.

The main producer of electricity in Iran is the Ministry of Power. The electricity system of Iran (production, transmission and distribution) is centralized and owned by the government. Recently, the government has started to study the option of privatization in small-scale to assess its benefits and outcomes for future programs.

In 2011, the maximum exploitable power was 65 222.2 MW (e) with 22.9% share of steam power plants, 42% share of gas and combined cycle power plants, 13.4% share of hydro power plants, 2.3% share of diesel, Solar & Wind, Atomic & biogas power plants. Table 2 shows the historical electricity production and installed capacity and Table 3 shows the energy related ratios.

Table 3. ELECTRICITY PRODUCTION, CONSUMPTION AND CAPACITY

⁽¹⁾ Electricity transmission losses are not deducted.

* Latest available data

Source: Energy Balance 2013, Power Ministry of IRAN

Table 4. ENERGY RELATED RATIOS

⁽¹⁾ Net import / Total energy consumption.

Source: Energy Balance 2013, Power Ministry of IRAN

In the mid-1970s, a major nuclear power program was planned, and construction of two nuclear power plants, 2×1294MW (e) PWR units construction started at Bushehr. Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP) is situated on the northern part of the Persian Gulf, near the city of Bushehr. In 1979,construction program of this nuclear power plant, first started with the KWU as the vendor, and was suspended and halted, at a fairly advanced stage of the civil work performed for the two units.

The Islamic Republic of Iran resumed the nuclear power program in 1991 with a bilateral agreement with China for the supply of two 300 MW (e) PWR units of Chinese design, similar to the Qinshan power plant. The agreement was confirmed in 1993 (but never been implemented).

In 1992, the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the government of the Russian Federation signed a bilateral agreement on the peaceful uses of atomic energy. As a follow-up, the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) and the Ministry of Atomic Energy (MINATOM) of the Russian Federation reached an agreement for the completion of the Bushehr NPP Unit 1 with a VVER-1000 type reactor. The decision to resume the Bushehr project with a new design has placed a heavy responsibility on the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI), which serves as the owner organization, and the National Regulatory Authority of Iran (INRA) for performing the national program of nuclear power and nuclear applications in particular on its Nuclear Power handled by the (NPPD). In 1998, the AEOI and MINATOM agreed to change the supply term of agreement for the BNPP Unit 1 to a turnkey contract, Based on this the Atom Story Export ASE from the Russian side was assigned for completion of the construction of the BNPP-1 considering necessary changes in design.

Until 2009, civil modifications, supply of equipment and complementary activities were completed. Initiation of Bushehr NPP Unit 1 has been done in 8 May 2011. In addition first connection to grid and commercial use of Bushehr NPP Unit 1 has been done in 3 and 23 of September 2011.

Nuclear Power Production and Development Co. of Iran is responsible for design, construction, commissioning, maintenance and decommissioning of nuclear power plants and research reactors in Iran, and subsidiary of Atomic Energy Organization of Iran. Furthermore, the regulatory body in Iran and Nuclear Power Production and Development Co. of Iran, are separate from each other and generally regulatory body is an independent organization.

Nuclear Power Production and Development Co. of Iran a subsidiary of Atomic Energy Organization of Iran is responsible for design, construction, commissioning, maintenance and decommissioning of nuclear power plants in Iran. Furthermore, the regulatory body in Iran and Nuclear Power Production and Development Co. of Iran, are separate entities from each other and generally regulatory body is an independent organization.

Table 5. STATUS AND PERFORMANCE OF NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS

The accident at Fukushima NPP became the most important event in the nuclear energy field over the last 25 years. The NPPD has decided to perform Stress Tests at BNPP-1 as the response measure to this event.

Stress Test was conducted at BNPP-1 with participation of all relevant organizations using deterministic approach. The result of safety assessment recommended to prepare the mobile Diesel generators (2 & 0.2) and Mobil Diesel pump for BNPP-1 doing severe Accident Conditions. The A.M. Equipment's are under manufacturing process and Test.

In addition NPPD/BNPP-1 has participated as a member of WANO-MC in Regional Crisis Centre (RCC) for VVER reactors.

The main tasks of RCC for VVER reactors specified are as follows:

1. To provide advice and Technical Assistance in the event of a Site/General Emergency at WANOMCVVER plants;

2. Distribution of information on safety relevant events at NPPs among its members;

3. A common pool of information and expertise to ensure the response of Emergency team in the event.

The on-going and planned activities for development of the NPPD in compliance with the country's 5th FYP (Five-Year Program up to 2016) are:

1. Safe and Reliable Operation of Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant – Unit1,

2. Design and construction of Darkhowin Medium sized nuclear power plant with PWR type reactor using capacities of Iranian companies,

3. Implementation of detailed studies, taking possession of and preparing the sites for construction of new nuclear power plants,

4. Starting the activities for the construction of 5 000 MW of nuclear power plants including 2 new large size (VVER) at Bushehr site.

5. Training of qualified personnel in the field of nuclear science and technology in line with national plan for the NPP development.

Furthermore, based on the legislation in mid-2005 by the Parliament, the prospect of nuclear power development in country and share of nuclear energy in the total electricity generation capacity of the country has been set at 20 000 MW. To obtain this goal, different activities were identified in the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran. One of the key decisions undertakes the development of the conceptual, basic and detail design and eventually construction of a medium size Pressurized Light Water Reactor with an electric output of about 360 MWe (IR-360).

It is expected that the IAEA provides technical support in terms of reviewing and commenting on the various aspects of the IR-360 engineering design. It is also expected that technical support are provided for establishing a strong R&D program in support of the reactor design and its verification.

The Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant unit one, the only NPP under operation in the country, has been connected to the grid in Sep. 2011 and started its commercial operation since Sep. 2013. Figures for the FYP (Five-Year Program) envisage the addition of 2 000 MWe to the power generation capacity. In this respect the contract for units 2&3 has been signed and the works related to the obtaining site engineering data is underway.

Table 6. PLANNED NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS

In addition, in order to prevent water crisis in the near future, the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran and Nuclear Power Production and Development Co. (NPPD) of Iran have decided to undertake development of the desalination facility with the production capacity of about 200 000 m³/day beside BNPP to meet the demand of Bushehr province for desalinated drinking water, bearing in mind all safety and environmental aspects.

The Nuclear Power Production and Development Co. of Iran which is the responsible body for development of nuclear power plants in Iran identifies and approves different projects. For any project, project manager are assigned by NPPD Co. and have adequate authorities to complete the project effectively.

Presently, the government is responsible for funding the nuclear power plant development in Iran and the required budget, with regard to long and medium term plans, is estimated and approved in accordance with the development programs and projects. Institutions involved in this process include Islamic Parliament of Iran, Vice Presidency for Strategic Planning and Supervision, and Atomic Energy Organization of Iran.

There is no need for further development of the existing grid for additional NPPs.

In line with government policy and planning for sustainable development, the site surveying and selection project for selecting suitable site/sites for construction of new nuclear power plants was defined &implemented. The study, investigation and evaluation of the proposed sites are carried out based on INRA regulation which considers the Agency relevant safety standards, last documented international experiences and some other relevant regulations including NRC. The project accomplished in three phases are as follows:

1. Phase zero: preparing the necessary documents related to process of selection of consulting engineers for studying different regions and also determining the preparation format of periodical reports.

2. Phase one: study of regions by designated consultant engineers, leading and orienting consultant engineers, developing the methodology for different stages, coordinating the studies of regions, supervising measures for studying, reviewing and approval of case &providing periodical reports until the final phase of the project and presenting the selected sites.

3. Phase two: summing up the results and characteristics of the selected sites and ranking them for determining the chosen ones in coastal and inland regions

Finally 16 proposed sites are under consideration in coastal and inland regions.

As we know one of the most important challenges against nuclear energy in the world is obtaining public acceptance. Lack of public acceptance causes the rise of other challenges and risks against nuclear energy. Therefore, lack of consideration for public acceptance in order to take necessary measures for obtaining it, means to face many other great challenges. Public acceptance in nuclear energy field is one of the most important factors that governments must consider it as a high priority issue.

Government should establish and maintain a system or mechanism to convince people and get public acceptance for the development of NPPs in the country.

To achieve this goal some activities will be considered such as:

1. Providing information to the public with regard to advantages of the production of nuclear power. Taking into consideration the objective(s) and strategies of nuclear power development stipulated in national nuclear documents.

2. Presenting overall public acceptance concept and comprehensive understanding of nuclear energy advantages and benefits in all over for the different parts of the Country.

3. Establishing an appropriate nuclear culture in society, and improving it based on proper feedbacks.

Iran’s uranium mines are as follow:

• Saghand, Underground uranium mine.

• Gachin, Open-pit uranium mine.

• Narigan mine that is under planning & designing.

Iran’s plants for producing yellowcake are as follow:

• Bandar Abbas Uranium Plant (BUP) that is operating with nominal capacity of 21 tonU/a.

• Ardakan yellowcake plant (YCP) that is under pre-commissioning and has nominal capacity of 50 tonU/a.

The Uranium Conversion Facility (UCF) at Isfahan contains process lines to convert yellowcake into natural uranium oxide (UO₂) and natural uranium hexafluoride (UF₆) which began in June 2004.

The UCF consists of several conversion lines, mainly the line for the conversion of yellowcake to natural UF6. The nominal capacity of the UCF is 296 tons natural UF6 and 16 ton natural UO2 per year. The natural UF6 is made for the uranium enrichment facility (Natanz). The UCF is also able to reconvert LEU into uranium oxide (UO₂) and depleted uranium hexafluoride (UF₆) into depleted uranium tetra fluoride (UF₄).

Iran has achieved to the technologies for producing fuel assembly at the fuel manufacturing plant (FMP) and fuel plate fabrication plant (FPFP) which is used for its Research Reactors.

Enriched UO2 Powder Plant (EUPP) is producing enriched UO2 (up to 3.67%) used in manufacturing fuel element of IRB1 in FMP. The nominal capacity of producing enriched UO2 is 34 tons/a.

FMP is responsible for producing kinds of fuel elements of IRB1.

(FPMP is responsible for producing fuel assemblies of IRA (with nominal capacity of 40 assemblies/a).

The Zirconium Production Plant (ZPP) is able to produce zirconium sponge with nuclear grade that finally it was changed to Zirconium-Niobium alloys (with nominal capacity of 12 ton Zr Alloys/a).

Several projects for recycling of radioactive wastes have been defined and also waste volume decreasing is under planning and operation (in Isfahan).

The first uranium enrichment plant built in Iran is located in Natanz which contains two primary facilities, namely:  the Pilot Fuel Enrichment Plant (PFEP) and the Fuel Enrichment Plant (FEP).  It also houses a centrifuge assembly area. 

Fordow, near the city of Qom, is the second site which is of an underground type enrichment facility in Iran. Fordow facility, according to Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) is going to be converted into a nuclear physics and technology centre with international cooperation.

Spent fuel reprocessing is not considered or planned in any stage of the nuclear fuel cycle processing in Iran.

Iran Nuclear Waste Management Co. (INWM) is responsible for consulting on all aspects of radioactive waste management activities in Iran, as well as for transportation, processing and storage of institutional radioactive waste derived from the minor waste generators. It is also responsible for disposal of all radioactive wastes in Iran including operational and performing decommissioning waste (with disposal capacity of 165 000m³ low & intermediate level wastes) estimated in the future.

The national near surface repository is currently at the construction stage. Based on the current planning, Iran’s near Surface Repository (INSuRe) is expected to be operational by 2018 for disposal, but it will be ready for receiving waste packages for long term storage in the near future. The waste to be generated by that time at the relevant institutions can be collected for storage in existing storage facilities of INWM.

In addition to responding to the requirement of the radioactive waste management a great related project is defined, its site selected, and is in the stage of designing. An internationally observed practice is envisaged for the supply of such services. Relevant measures for the storage of wastes are to be considered in the unit design.

• Physics and Accelerators Research School

• Nuclear Agriculture Research School

• Reactor Research School

• Laser and Optic Research School

• Radiation Application Research School

• Nuclear Fuel Cycle Research School

• Material Research School

• Instrumentation Research Group

• Safety and Radiation Protection Research Group

• Nuclear law Research Group

There is no partnership being considered currently.

Iran has been participating in conferences, technical committee meetings, general meetings, advisory group meetings, and training and fellowship programs under the sponsorship of the IAEA or in the framework of its Technical Co-operation projects.

The International Atomic Energy Agency supports the peaceful applications of nuclear science and technology in Iran by means of the following Technical Co-operation projects; for the time period (2014-2015):

1. Strengthening and upgrading capabilities for safe and reliable operation and maintenance of a Pressurized Light Water Reactor (IRA2011)

2. Increasing Nuclear Power Production Development Co. of Iran (NPPD's) Capability in planning and implementing activities related to the design and construction of Two New Pressurized Light Water NPP Units in Bushehr with Emphasis on Safety (IRA2012)

3. Developing Therapeutic Radiopharmaceuticals and Brachytherapy Products for cancer treatment and production of Radioimmunoassay (RIA) Diagnostic Kits (IRA6009)

4. Assessing seawater intrusion into the coastal Aquifer of Neka, Mazandaran province (IRA7002)

5. Enhancing the regulation of nuclear facilities and radiation Activities (IRA9020)

6. Ensuring the safe construction of the TALMESI Radioactive Waste Disposal Facility (IRA9021)

7. Enhancing the safety of Tehran Research Reactor (TRR) (IRA9022)

Regional Project

1. 1-Supporting nuclear education and training through e-Learning and other means of advanced information communication technology (ICT) (RAS0064)

2. Supporting the sustainability and networking of National Nuclear Institutions in Asia and the Pacific Region (RAS0065)

3. Providing legislative assistance on establishing and upgrading the Legal Framework designed for the safe, Secure and Peaceful Use of Nuclear Energy (RAS0071)

4. Supporting human resource development activities and Nuclear Technology (RAS0073)

5. Enhancing the Safety and utilization of Research Reactors (RAS1019)

6. Supporting early warning, response systems and Control of Trans boundary animal diseases (RAS5060)

7. Supporting food irradiation technology process to ensure the safety and quality of meals provided forImmunocompromised Patients and Other Target Groups (RAS5061)

8. Building technological capacity for food traceability and Safety Control Systems through the Use of Nuclear Analytical Techniques (RAS5062)

9. Enhancing the productivity of locally-underused crops through dissemination of mutated germplasm and evaluation of soil, nutrient and water management practices (RAS5064)

10. Supporting Climate-Proofing Rice Production Systems (CRiPS) Based on Nuclear Applications (RAS5065)

11. Promoting the sharing of expertise and infrastructure designed for Dengue Vector Surveillance intended for the integration of the sterile insect technique cooperation with conventional control methods among South and South East Asian Countries (RAS5066)

12. Integrating sterile insect technique for better cost-effectiveness cooperation of Area-Wide fruit fly pest management Programmes in Southeast Asia (RAS5067)

13. Complementing conventional approaches with nuclear techniques towards achieving Flood Risk Mitigation and Post-Flood Rehabilitation Efforts in Asia (RAS5069)

14. Using Stable Isotope Techniques to monitor situations and interventions for promoting infant and young Children Nutrition (RAS6073)

15. 15-Improving the quality life of Cancer Patients through Streamlined and emerging Therapeutic Nuclear Medicine Techniques (RAS6074)

16. Optimizing the role of Nuclear Medicine Techniques in the diagnosis and clinical management of childhood cancer cases and Inborn Diseases (RAS6075)

17. Strengthening Hybrid Imaging in Nuclear Medicine in Asia

18. Preventing the spread of Overweight and Obesity cases, and Promoting physical activity among children and adolescents (RAS6080)

19. Supporting the Use of Receptor Binding Assay (RBA) to reduce the adverse impacts of harmful Algal toxins on seafood safety (RAS7026)

20. Ure (RAS/9/061)

21. Strengthening education and training infrastructure and building competence for improved Radiation Safety (RAS9066)

22. Strengthening an effective Compliance Assurance Regime for the orderly transport of Radioactive Material (RAS9067)

23. Establishing a competent Radioactive Waste Management Infrastructure (RAS9071)

24. Supporting Human Resource Development Process for Promoting Nuclear Security (RAS9072)

25. Strengthening the Regulatory Infrastructure for Radiation, Control Transport and Waste Management Safety (RAS9073)

26. Enhancing and strengthening National Regulatory Infrastructure for Safety purposes through Self-Assessment (RAS9074)

27. Strengthening radiation protection infrastructure and technical capabilities achieving the Safety of Workers, Patients and the general Public (RAS9075)

28. Strengthening of national capabilities for responding to nuclear and radiological emergencies (RAS9076)

Interregional Project

1. Developing human resources and supporting nuclear technology processes (INT0089)

2. Enhancing safety management and safety documentation for Research Reactors in extended shutdown cases and during the Transition Periods between Operation and Decommissioning Phases (INT1057)

3. Sharing knowledge on the use of sterile insect techniques and Related Techniques for Integrated Area-Wide Management of Insect Pests (INT5151)

4. Assessing the impact of climate change and its Effects on Soil and Water Resources in Polar and Mountainous Regions (INT5153)

5. Supporting distance assisted training for Nuclear Medicine Technologists-experts (INT6055)

6. Supporting quality management Audits in Nuclear Medicine Practices (QUANUM) (INT6056)

7. Establishing a Joint IAEA/ICTP International Post-Graduate Medical Physics Education Programme (INT6057)

8. Connecting networks for enhanced communication and training (INT9174)

9. Promoting safe and efficient Clean-Up of radioactively contaminated facilities andSites (INT9175)

10. Characterization and disposal of low and intermediate level radioactive Waste (INT9177)

11. Mart Card/Smart Rad Track - Long term recording of patient doses in diagnostic and interventional procedures (INT9178)

12. Regulatory Cooperation Forum (RCF)(INT9179)

13. Sustaining the Safe transport of radioactive material by promoting the harmonization of transport regulations and building regulatory Capacity and Outreach to the Transport Community to address global related Issues Including denial of shipment (INT9180)

14. Building capacity and supporting self-evaluation of capacity building activities on safety matters. A among possessing Member States Nuclear Power Plants and those contemplating of embarking on Nuclear Power Programmes (INT9181)

Iran Nuclear Regulatory Authority (INRA) is the only nuclear and radiation regulatory body active in the field of nuclear safety in the Islamic Republic of Iran. The legislative, legal basis for the INRA is primarily provided by the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) Act dated (1974) and Radiation Protection (RP) Act (1989). The AEOI Act covers the activities for which the AEOI was established upon. These activities include application of nuclear energy and radiation in areas including industry, agriculture, medicine and research. The RP Act covers all the affairs related to the radiation protection aspects in the country including radiation related workers, public and future generations to be safeguarded against radiation hazards. The Act also encompasses the construction, commissioning, operation and decommissioning of radiation facilities. Furthermore, it covers the importing, exporting and the proper use of radiation sources. These acts and their corresponding lower tier legislations comprise the basis of the INRA activities. The promulgated legislations authorizes the INRA, as entrusted by AEOI, to exert effective national regulatory supervision control over the nuclear radiation, waste management and safe transport. To accomplish its goals, INRA has established a functional structure comprising of three specific departments: National Nuclear Safety Department (NNSD), National Radiation Protection Department (NRPD) and Nuclear & Radiation Service Department (NRSD). The National Nuclear Safety Department (NNSD) is responsible for regulatory supervision and control of all national nuclear installations. Regulatory control of radiation (sources) activities and facilities is done by NRPD. The regulatory support activities are covered by NRSD.

National Nuclear Safeguards Department (NNSG) is the Regulatory Authority in the fields of Nuclear Safeguards and Security in the I.R. of Iran. Legislative basis for NNSG regulatory framework include the Non-Proliferation Treaty Act (1970), the Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement with the IAEA (INFCIRC/214, 1974), the Additional Protocol to Iran’s Safeguards Agreement (INFCIRC/214/Add.1), The Agreement on the Privileges and Immunities of the International Atomic Energy Agency, (INFCIRC/9/Rev.2, 1974) and Atomic Energy Organization of Iran Act (1974). In addition, a number of Iran’s parliamentary/ministerial Acts, regulations and decrees have provided for regulatory framework on Nuclear Safeguards as well as Physical Protection.

Utilization of all nuclear and radiation facilities and activities in IRAN are subject to obtaining appropriate authorization (license/permit) from the Supervisory Commission. Supervisory Commission is responsible for over sighting regulatory activities including developing regulations, assessment, issuing license/permit/ conduction inspections and taking enforcement actions for nuclear and radiation facilities and activities in Iran.