US Institute of International Science analyzes light water reactor at Yongbyon nuclear facility operational - South Korean report

An analysis has revealed that the experimental light water reactor at North Korea's Yongbyon nuclear facility has been operating normally since 2023.
According to NK News, a US media specializing in North Korea, on the 26th, US International Scientific Research
The site is an experimental light water reactor in Yongbyon, and a considerable amount of water has been drained into the nearby Kuryong River since October 2023. In winter, it was discovered that the ice near the drain was melting, and the light water reactor was shut down. up and running
I confirmed that there is. The American Institute for International Science explains, ``The melting snow on the roof of the complex turbine building at the Yongbyon nuclear facility also indicates that the reactor is operating.'' just rice
The International Institute for Scientific Research cannot confirm whether North Korea's light water reactors are operating at their maximum capacity of 100 megawatts, as announced, and that the nuclear facility's 5 megawatt reactor is also operating.
added. Prior to this, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and others released a report with similar content last month. IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi said last month that ``cooling water discharges are
"This indicates that the reactor has reached a critical point," he said, warning that "North Korea may produce plutonium from spent nuclear fuel, in violation of United Nations sanctions."
The United States Institute for Science said, ``In line with North Korea's leader Kim Jung Eun's policy of significantly increasing its nuclear arsenal, we are trying to produce plutonium that can be used as a weapon.
"The light water reactor was put into operation in 2017." The United States International Institute of Science estimates that if a 100-megawatt light water reactor were to operate at 70% to 80% capacity, it could produce plutonium that could be used as a weapon.
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