Tehran Research Reactor (TRR) is a nuclear research reactor in Tehran, Iran. It functions as a Pool-type research reactor (5 MW). It is operated by Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI). In service since 1967.
Plant data: WRI Global Power Plant Database (CC BY 4.0), id NUC-IR-TEHRAN-TRR.
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
Capacity and fuel are the upstream open-dataset record, not yet matched to a 2026 registry or GEM entry.
capacity: IAEA / NTI; fuel: IAEA / NTI
Facility overview
The Tehran Research Reactor (TRR) is a 5 MW pool-type research reactor supplied by the United States in 1967 under the “Atoms for Peace” programme. Originally fuelled with highly enriched uranium, it was later converted toward lower-enriched fuel. Today it mainly produces medical radioisotopes for Iranian hospitals and supports research and training.
The TRR's fuel needs were central to the 2009–2010 fuel-swap diplomacy and were one of the stated reasons Iran began enriching to 20%. Located on the campus of the AEOI in northern Tehran, it is a small research reactor under IAEA safeguards — not a power-generating plant.
In context: how this plant compares
Technically it is described as Pool-type research reactor (5 MW). 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
- Share of Iran nuclear capacity
- 11.1% of 45 MW across 5 plants in this dataset
- Age among peers
- 0 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).
Local climate & thermal context
This nuclear plant generates electricity for the grid. It sits in a hot-summer Mediterranean climate (Köppen Csa) — Northern Hemisphere, latitude 35.7°N — which shapes how much energy it can produce and how its output varies through the year.
Monthly mean temperature
Heating degree-days here run 32% below the median power plant in this dataset — a proxy for how much extra energy heated equipment must replace through its surfaces in winter.
Climate heat-demand index: 37/100 — this site sits in the mid third of the power plants we cover by heating degree-days.
Climate normals: WorldClim 2.1 (1970–2000 monthly normals, 10 arc-min, CC BY 4.0); zone: Köppen-Geiger world climate classification (Kottek et al. 2006, 0.5° grid). Degree-days & heat-demand index computed by PowerAtlas — a modelled heat-demand proxy, not a measured site figure.
Site climate & environmental severity
This site sits in a moderately corrosive environment (estimated ISO 9223 class C3 — Medium), with thermal cycling 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
The #2 largest nuclear power plant of 5 in Iran by capacity.
Iran has 5 nuclear power plants in this dataset, together about 45 MW of capacity.
Nearby power plants
- Tarasht · Gas · 50 MW · Tehran
- Besat · Oil · 249 MW · Tehran
- Rey · Gas · 128 MW · Tehran
- Latyan · Hydro · 45 MW · Tehran
- Montazare Ghaem · Gas · 997 MW · Tehran
- Sahid Montazere Ghaem · Oil · 626 MW · Tehran
Location
Coordinates 35.7389, 51.3894 from WRI Global Power Plant Database (CC BY 4.0). View on OpenStreetMap.
Frequently asked questions
What is Tehran Research Reactor (TRR)?
Tehran Research Reactor (TRR) is a nuclear research reactor in Tehran, Iran, operated by Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI).
Is Tehran Research Reactor (TRR) a power plant?
No — Tehran Research Reactor (TRR) is a nuclear research reactor and does not generate grid electricity.
Where is Tehran Research Reactor (TRR) located?
It is located near Tehran, at approximately 35.739, 51.389.
What does Tehran Research Reactor (TRR) do?
Tehran Research Reactor (TRR) is used for Pool-type research reactor (5 MW).
Who operates Tehran Research Reactor (TRR)?
Tehran Research Reactor (TRR) is operated by Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI).