ASE: Iran's 1st NPP in Busher Operational at Full Capacity

The Busher NPP, Iran's first nuclear plant, is now operating at full capacity, according to its Russian builder ASE. Photo from RIA Novosti

Iran's first nuclear power station has begun operating at full capacity, a Russian firm said on Friday.

"The reactor of unit 1 of the Bushehr nuclear power plant was brought up to 100 percent of its projected capacity at 18:47 local time on August 30," Russian contractor Atomstroiexport (ASE) said in a press release, cited by RIA Novosti.

Construction of the Bushehr NPP began in the 1970s but has been dogged by delays. Russia signed a billion-dollar deal with Tehran to complete the plant in1998.

The plant's launch in August 2010 prompted Israel, the USA and other Western nations to express fears the reactor could help Iran creat a nuclear bomb.

Tehran has denied the allegations, saying the facility as well as its entire nuclear program was for peaceful power generation only.

The Busher NPP was connected to Iran's electricity grid in September 2011.

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