Other Names: Esfahan (ENTC), Esphahan; Esfahn Nuclear Research Center
Location: University of Isfahan
Subordinate to: AEOI
Size: Numerous large buildings and over 3,000 scientists
Primary Function: Nuclear research

Description:

Located at the University of Isfahan, The Isfahan Nuclear Technology Center (INTC) is one of Iran's largest nuclear research complexes. In 1975, France signed an agreement to build the facility and train personnel to operate the Bushehr reactor. Isfahan is a multi-purpose research center. It operates two research reactors, a critical assembly and a sub-critical assembly. It also operates a hexafluride plant (conversion facility), fuel production plant, a zirconium cladding plant, and other facilities and laboratories.

The INTC may also operate a laboratory scale heavy water production facility on its premises. In a letter to the IAEA dated 19 August 2003, the AEOI reported that the decision to conduct research in heavy research production was taken in the early 1980s. By the mid-1980s, laboratory scale experiments were undertaken at the INTC. The results of those experiments prompted subsequent decisions in the mid-1990s to construct a heavy water reactor.

Key Sources:
[1] "Esfahan/Isfahan Nuclear Technology Center," Federation of American Scientists, http://www.fas.org/nuke/guide/iran/facility/esfahan.htm.
[2] "Implementation of the NPT Safeguards Agreement in the Islamic Republic of Iran," International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), 26 August 2003, p. 9.

	Updated January 2006