Commercial satellite imagery from the Yongbyon Nuclear Scientific Research Center dated Nov. 24 provides further evidence of the operation of the 5 MWe reactor. Steam is emanating from the generator hall of the reactor, which indicates that at least one of the generators is running. In addition, water from the auxiliary pipe continues to flow into the channel that leads to the Kuryong River. The 5 MWe reactor can produce up to six kg of plutonium per year, although it appears to have been shut down from 2018 until the last few months. This new activity is noteworthy as the resumption of plutonium production is likely necessary to meet the ambitious goals for further nuclear weapon development announced at the 8th Congress earlier this year.[1]
Construction of the new building south of the Experimental Light Water Reactor (ELWR) continues, although there are no signs that the ELWR will start operating.
Figure 1. Steam emerging from the generator hall of a 5 MWe reactor.
Satellite image © 2021 Maxar Technologies. All rights reserved. For media license options, please contact [email protected]
Figure 2. Further construction of a new building near ELWR.
Satellite image © 2021 Maxar Technologies. All rights reserved. For media license options, please contact [email protected]
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