Esfahan Nuclear Technology Center (UCF) is a uranium-conversion and nuclear-research center in Isfahan Province, Iran. It functions as a Uranium conversion & fuel research. It is operated by Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI). In service since 2004.
Plant data: WRI Global Power Plant Database (CC BY 4.0), id NUC-IR-ISFAHAN.
Data status
Known data
Calculated from dataset
Not available
Known, modelled and calculated values are kept separate. Missing fields are shown as unavailable.
Data provenance
Source of the capacity and fuel values:
capacity: Open nuclear-facility reference record; non-generating facility, not a power plant nameplate capacity; fuel: IAEA / NTI
Facility overview
The Esfahan (Isfahan) Nuclear Technology Center is Iran's largest nuclear-research complex and the home of its Uranium Conversion Facility (UCF), which converts uranium yellowcake into uranium hexafluoride (UF₆) feedstock for the centrifuges at Natanz and Fordow. The site also includes fuel-fabrication R&D, several small research reactors supplied decades ago by China, and fuel-plate manufacturing.
Sitting on the southern edge of Isfahan, it is a critical upstream node of the fuel cycle: without conversion there is no centrifuge feed, which is why the facility has featured in strike reporting during the 2024–2025 confrontation. It is an industrial and research site, not a power reactor, and produces no electricity. Operations are subject to IAEA safeguards.
In context: how this plant compares
Technically it is described as Uranium conversion & fuel research. This facility converts its energy source into electricity for the grid; its capacity, fuel type and location determine its role in the national power mix.
Capacity comparison computed from the WRI Global Power Plant Database; fuel-type context is general engineering background.
Key facts
- Age among peers
- 1 of 5 dated nuclear plants in Iran is older
Calculated from the capacity and generation records in this dataset (WRI Global Power Plant Database (CC BY 4.0)).
Capacity vs largest nuclear plants in Iran
Installed capacity (MW), WRI Global Power Plant Database (CC BY 4.0).
Owner
Operated by Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI).
Climate zone & how it works
This nuclear plant generates electricity for the grid. It sits in a cold semi-arid steppe climate (Köppen BSk) — Northern Hemisphere, latitude 32.6°N — which shapes how much energy it can produce and how its output varies through the year.
Climate zone & typical temperatures: Köppen-Geiger world climate classification (Kottek et al. 2006, 0.5° grid).
Site climate & environmental severity
This site sits in a benign, low-corrosion environment (estimated ISO 9223 class C1 — Very low), with dust abrasion the leading environmental stress.
Indicative estimate via the ISO 9223:2012 informative method (atmospheric corrosivity from temperature, time-of-wetness and airborne salinity), using WorldClim climate normals, the Köppen-Geiger class and coast distance. Indicative, not a measured corrosion rate.
How it compares & nearby plants
Iran has 5 nuclear power plants in this dataset, together about 45 MW of capacity.
Nearby power plants
- Zobahan · Gas · 162 MW · Isfahan
- Zobahan (gas) · Gas · 139 MW · Isfahan
- Shahid M. Montazeri · Oil · 1,600 MW · Isfahan
- South Isfahan (Chehelsotoon) · Gas · 418 MW · Isfahan
- Mobarakeh Steel power station · Gas · 2,732 MW · Isfahan
- Isfahan · Solar · 10 MW · Isfahan
Location
Coordinates 32.5733, 51.5106 from WRI Global Power Plant Database (CC BY 4.0). View on OpenStreetMap.
Frequently asked questions
What is Esfahan Nuclear Technology Center (UCF)?
Esfahan Nuclear Technology Center (UCF) is a uranium-conversion and nuclear-research center in Isfahan Province, Iran, operated by Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI).
Is Esfahan Nuclear Technology Center (UCF) a power plant?
No — Esfahan Nuclear Technology Center (UCF) is a uranium-conversion and nuclear-research center and does not generate grid electricity.
Where is Esfahan Nuclear Technology Center (UCF) located?
It is located near Isfahan, Isfahan Province, at approximately 32.573, 51.511.
What does Esfahan Nuclear Technology Center (UCF) do?
Esfahan Nuclear Technology Center (UCF) is used for Uranium conversion & fuel research.
Who operates Esfahan Nuclear Technology Center (UCF)?
Esfahan Nuclear Technology Center (UCF) is operated by Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI).