Khushab-2
| Last Modified: | Nov. 1, 2012 |
|---|---|
| Other Name: | N/A |
| Location: | Khushab District, Punjab; Approximately 200km SW of Islamabad |
| Subordinate To: | Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) |
| Size: | 50MW |
| Facility Status: | Operational |
Khusab-2 is a 50MW plutonium production reactor. Construction began around 2001 and open source satellite imagery showed signs that the reactor may have become operational in late 2009.[1]
While Khushab-1 is moderated by heavy water and cooled by light water, Khushab-2 may use heavy water as both the moderator and coolant.[2] If true, this would enable plutonium production utilizing less power. Assuming Khushab-2 will have production capabilities similar to Khushab-1, as fuel from Khushab-2 becomes available for reprocessing, Pakistan's annual production of weapons-grade plutonium could double.[3] The facility is not under IAEA safeguards.
Sources:
[1] Paul Brannan, "Steam Emitted From Second Khushab Reactor Cooling Towers; Pakistan May Be Operating Second Reactor," Institute for Science and International Security, 24 March 2010, www.isis-online.org.
[2] Global Fissile Material Report 2010, Chapter 10, International Panel on Fissile Materials, December 2010, www.fissilematerials.org.
[3] Global Fissile Material Report 2010, Chapter 10, International Panel on Fissile Materials, December 2010, www.fissilematerials.org.
This material is produced independently for NTI by the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of and has not been independently verified by NTI or its directors, officers, employees, or agents. Copyright © 2011 by MIIS.
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