Location: Arak
Subordinate to: AEOI
Size: 40MW
Primary Function: Nuclear research

Description:

On 5 May 2003, the Iranian authorities informed the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) of their intention to construct a heavy water research reactor at Arak. However, the decision to supplement Iran's nuclear program with a heavy water reactor was made in the mid-1990s. Construction of the Arak reactor, a 40MW thermal heavy water reactor began in 2004. The Arak reactor will use natural UO2 fuel and heavy water as both cooler and moderator. At present, construction continues at the reactor site and is scheduled for completion in 2009. It is believed that the IR-40 will be used for research and development activities, radioisotope production, and training. To meet the isotope production requirements, Iranian officials believe that the reactor must have a neutron flux of 1013 to 1014 n/cm2/s. This would require a reactor capable of producing 30-40MW thermal when using UO2 as fuel. Once fully operational, it is believed that the Arak reactor will be able to produce about nine kilograms of weapons grade plutonium each year, or enough for about two nuclear weapons each year.

Key Sources:
[1] "Implementation of the NPT Safeguards Agreement in the Islamic Republic of Iran," International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), 6 June 2003, p. 3.
[2] "Implementation of the NPT Safeguards Agreement in the Islamic Republic of Iran, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), 26 August 2003, p. 8.
[3] Paul Brannan and David Albright, "ISIS Imagery Brief: Update on Construction Activities at Arak 40 MW Heavy Water Reactor," Institute for Science and International Security (ISIS), 21 April 2006, http://www.isis-online.org/publications/iran/arakupdate.pdf.

	Updated November 2006