West irritated by Iran’s progress in heavy water industry: Atomic chief
Iran’s atomic chief says the West is opposed to the country’s production of heavy water because of its huge economic benefits.
Mohammad Eslami, head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI), said on Monday that Iran has made significant progress in recent years in producing heavy water and its derivatives.
Eslami said the progress has been achieved despite the West’s continued objections to Iran’s nuclear endeavors and its technological advancement in the production of heavy water.
He said the main reason for the West’s irritation is the huge economic potential that exists in Iran’s heavy water production, adding that the country can fetch thousands of dollars for each gram of by-products obtained from heavy water production.
“Each (metric) ton of methanol produced from heavy water is worth $1.2 million while the price of the methanol produced in petrochemical plants is less than $500 (per ton),” said the AEOI chief.
Eslami said that Western countries, including the US, have admitted that the heavy water produced in Iran has the highest degree of purity in the world.
He added that Iran can increase its share of the global heavy water market from the current 12.5% if it decides to sell the by-products produced in the sector.
The official made the comments during a speech in Tehran where he defended the use of peaceful nuclear technology for responding to Iran's various needs.
He said that Iran’s only nuclear power plant on the Persian Gulf coast has enabled the country to cut some $8 billion from its oil consumption bill since 2001 when the plant was inaugurated with a total investment of $1.8 billion.
Iran’s sovereign fund earmarks $115 mln to AI research
Russia’s VTB bank to upgrade Tehran office to branch
Iran’s digital economy wonders in face of sanctions
IMF expects Iran’s economy to grow by 3.1% in 2025
China expresses ‘unwavering’ support for Lebanon’s sovereignty
Hezbollah praises ‘grand victory’ of Palestinians in Gaza ceasefire
VIDEO | Press TV's news headlines
West irritated by Iran’s progress in heavy water industry: Atomic chief
Israel lacks ability to eliminate resistance power: Leader’s aide
Houthi: Iran played crucial role in victory of Palestinians over Israel
UN torture expert urges probe into Israeli violations in Gaza after truce
PressTV NEWSLETTER
now
This makes it easy to access the Press TV website
