Mohammad Ariapour

Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI)

In the middle of 1950s decade, the University of Tehran initiated the first order for purchasing the equipment needed for nuclear research and educational activities from abroad. One year later, the nuclear center of the University of Tehran was established and through the operation of the Tehran five megawatt research reactor in 1967, the foundation of Iran's nuclear science and technology was laid down. With the establishment of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran in 1974, and the subsequent transfer of Tehran university atomic center to this organ, the mission and functions related to the nuclear technology development, particularly regarding electricity production in the country was allocated to this organization. Article one (1) of the Atomic Energy Organization founding law (statute), approved in 1974, states the main purpose of its establishment, as to utilize radiation and nuclear energy in industries, agriculture and services to establish nuclear power plant and desalination facilities to convert salt water, production of raw material required for nuclear industries,establish needed scientific, technological infrastructure for implementation of above projects as well as coordination and monitoring over all matters related to the country's nuclear energy. Detailed description of the above activities in stated in article 3 of the organization's laws. In the years remaining up to the victory of the Islamic revolution (around 4 years), the agenda of the organization aimed at the establishment of a 20000 Megawatt nuclear power plant for production of electricity. Based on this objective, numerous contracts were signed for the establishment of power plants and consequent access to nuclear fuel.