IAEA detects new reactor operating at North Korean nuclear complex

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has detected a new reactor operating at the North Korean nuclear complex in Yongbyon. According to its observations, the cooling system of the new reactor has begun discharging warm water, Reuters reports. This could mean that the reactor has reached criticality, one of the stages of its start-up. The new reactor could help North Korea increase plutonium production. The IAEA has no inspectors in North Korea and can therefore only monitor developments from afar.

IAEA chief Rafael Grossi said the agency was observing increased activity at the complex. Since mid-October, the agency’s analysts have observed a strong flow of water from the cooling system of the new light-water reactor. Based on their latest observations, they believe it is warm water. „The discharge of warm water indicates that the reactor has reached criticality,“ Grossi said in a statement released by the agency on Thursday evening.

North Korea already operates a smaller five-megawatt reactor at the complex, which has served as a source of plutonium for its nuclear programme. Bringing the more powerful light-water reactor online would allow North Korea to increase production.

The IAEA also said it lacked sufficient information about the safety of the reactor, which could serve North Korea as a source of plutonium for producing nuclear weapons. „Safety should of course be the foremost concern when a new reactor begins operating,“ Grossi said.

The IAEA has had no inspectors in North Korea since 2009. It therefore assesses the country’s nuclear activities using other sources, such as satellite images. Without access to the reactor, the IAEA cannot officially confirm that it is operating.

Grossi recalled that by building and bringing a nuclear reactor online, North Korea is violating UN resolutions that prohibit such activity. He called on Pyongyang to allow IAEA inspectors into the country.