Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant is a underground uranium-enrichment plant in Qom Province, Iran. It functions as a Uranium enrichment (deep-underground centrifuge). It is operated by Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI). In service since 2011.
Plant data: WRI Global Power Plant Database (CC BY 4.0), id NUC-IR-FORDOW.
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
Fordow (Fordo) is a uranium-enrichment plant built deep inside a mountain near the holy city of Qom, roughly 30 km north-east of the city. Its construction was revealed publicly in 2009; the hardened, ~80–90 m-deep siting was designed to survive aerial bombardment, which is why it dominates military and intelligence discussion whenever strikes on Iran are debated.
The plant operates advanced gas centrifuges and has at times enriched uranium to 20% and, later, near-60% U-235 — levels far above the ~3–5% needed for power-reactor fuel. It is under IAEA monitoring. Like Natanz, Fordow is an enrichment facility, not a power station, and generates no electricity.
Because of its depth and strategic value, Fordow is consistently among the first sites named in coverage of any Israeli or US action against Iran's nuclear programme.
In context: how this plant compares
Technically it is described as Uranium enrichment (deep-underground centrifuge). 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
- 3 of 5 dated nuclear plants in Iran are 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 hot semi-arid steppe climate (Köppen BSh) — Northern Hemisphere, latitude 34.9°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
- Qom · Gas · 714 MW · Qom
- Rud'e Shur · Gas · 954 MW · Tehran
- Saveh power plant · Gas · 1,200 MW · Markazi
- Parand power station · Gas · 1,578 MW · Tehran
- Salafchegan power plant · Gas · 500 MW · Qom
- Rey · Gas · 128 MW · Tehran
Location
Coordinates 34.8847, 50.9939 from WRI Global Power Plant Database (CC BY 4.0). View on OpenStreetMap.
Frequently asked questions
What is Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant?
Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant is a underground uranium-enrichment plant in Qom Province, Iran, operated by Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI).
Is Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant a power plant?
No — Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant is a underground uranium-enrichment plant and does not generate grid electricity.
Where is Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant located?
It is located near near Qom, Qom Province, at approximately 34.885, 50.994.
What does Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant do?
Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant is used for Uranium enrichment (deep-underground centrifuge).
Who operates Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant?
Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant is operated by Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI).