Heavy Water Zero Power Reactor (ENTC-HWZPR)
| Other Name: | IR-0004 |
|---|---|
| Location: | Esfahan (Isfahan) Nuclear Technology Center (ENTC) |
| Subordinate To: | Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) |
| Size: | Zero power |
| Facility Status: | Operational |
China constructed the Heavy Water Zero Power Reactor (HWZPR) in 1991, and the unit first became operational in 1995. [1] The reactor uses heavy water as a moderator and runs on natural uranium fuel. [2] Although the reactor is not suitable for producing plutonium, Iran has been able to use it to gain experience in the control of heavy water reactors in preparation for managing larger units such as the IR-40 currently under construction at Arak.
Sources:
[1] "Nuclear Research Reactors in the World, Research Reactor Details - ENTC HWZPR," International Atomic Energy Agency, www.iaea.org.
[2] "Nuclear Research Reactors in the World, Research Reactor Details - ENTC HWZPR," International Atomic Energy Agency, www.iaea.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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