OREANDA-NEWS. May 13, 2011. On May 8, 2011 at 11:12 (Iranian time) operations were carried out to bring the nuclear steam supply system of Bushehr Unit 1 to the minimum controlled power level.

This work in the reactor core of the first nuclear power plant in Iran has triggered the self-sustained fission reaction of the nuclear fuel.

At this stage of commissioning of Bushehr Unit 1 tests will be carried out to obtain data on neutron and physical parameters of the reactor core; tests to confirm that the control and protection systems are operable and function correctly. Also, during this period the plant personnel will be able to master operator skills.