Developing a comprehensive energy strategy, with a focus on efficiency and optimized consumption, is a priority for many countries. Nuclear energy holds a prominent position due to its benefits, including large-scale electricity generation, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and the diversification of energy portfolios. This research examines the challenges and requirements for developing nuclear power plants in Iran. As a nation heavily reliant on fossil fuels, Iran faces environmental, economic, and political challenges in ensuring a sustainable energy supply. This paper employs an analytical-comparative approach, drawing upon John Kingdon’s policy-making framework, to analyze three streams—problems, policies, and politics—related to nuclear power plants. The technology of nuclear power plants and their fuel cycle, spanning from nuclear fission to fourth-generation reactors, is presented. The experiences of countries like China, the UAE, Turkey, and India demonstrate that key success factors include technology localization, sustainable financing, meticulous planning, and international cooperation. Iran’s challenges encompass limited uranium resources, international political and economic pressures, high implementation costs, and reliance on foreign technology. A shortage of skilled personnel and inconsistent domestic policies also present significant obstacles. Ultimately, the paper offers recommendations such as promoting technology localization, reprocessing spent fuel, diversifying financing methods, bolstering the workforce, and ensuring transparency in policy-making. These measures aim to foster the sustainable development of nuclear energy in Iran and lessen its dependence on fossil fuels.
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