Speaking to IRIB on Wednesday, Behrouz Kamalvandi discussed the importance of nuclear energy development worldwide and the objectives of Iran’s participation in the sixth ministerial conference on nuclear energy in South Korea.

He said environmental challenges have become a major global concern in recent years, further underscoring the need to expand nuclear power generation.

Around 400,000 megawatts of nuclear electricity is currently generated worldwide, with Iran accounting for approximately 1,000 megawatts, Kamalvandi said. Under announced plans, global nuclear power capacity is expected to triple, requiring the construction of around 1,200 power plants comparable to the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant in southern Iran, he added.

The AEOI spokesman stressed that advances in artificial intelligence, digital technologies and vehicle electrification are driving up electricity demand, making the expansion of nuclear power generation “an undeniable necessity.”

He also highlighted the potential of small modular reactors, saying they can be replicated and manufactured in large numbers. Deploying multiple units could help meet energy needs, he explained, noting that SMRs are among the emerging technologies receiving growing international attention.

“We are also in a good position in the field of small modular reactors,” he said, adding that Iran is working to sign a protocol with Russia to accelerate the joint construction of such reactors.

The spokesman expressed confidence in Iran’s nuclear industry, saying it has reached full maturity and that the country has achieved self-sufficiency in nuclear power plant construction.