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.
Known, modelled and calculated values are kept separate. Missing fields are shown as unavailable.
The capacity and fuel fields on this page are source-record values from the upstream open dataset. They are useful for identification and ranking, but they have not been upgraded to a 2026 registry/GEM-location verified value.
capacity: IAEA / NTI; fuel: IAEA / NTI
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.
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.
Installed capacity (MW), WRI Global Power Plant Database (CC BY 4.0).
Operated by Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI).
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.
For a plant’s outdoor hardware — heat-recovery steam generators (HRSG), expansion joints, valves, flanges and their insulation — the local climate sets how fast unprotected steel and coatings degrade. This site sits in a moderately corrosive environment (estimated ISO 9223 class C3 — Medium), with thermal cycling the leading environmental stress.
Higher environmental severity is exactly where protective removable insulation pays back most: a sheltered micro-climate slows corrosion, UV and thermal-cycling damage and extends outdoor hardware service life. This is an indicative site-climate context — not a condition assessment of any specific plant or operator.
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.
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.
Coordinates 35.7389, 51.3894 from WRI Global Power Plant Database (CC BY 4.0). View on OpenStreetMap.
Tehran Research Reactor (TRR) is a nuclear research reactor in Tehran, Iran, operated by Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI).
No — Tehran Research Reactor (TRR) is a nuclear research reactor and does not generate grid electricity.
It is located near Tehran, at approximately 35.739, 51.389.
Tehran Research Reactor (TRR) is used for Pool-type research reactor (5 MW).
Tehran Research Reactor (TRR) is operated by Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI).
