With contributions from Bernd Hrdy and Paul Frank of ISRW, a new analysis examines nuclear safety in North Korea. The report addresses the significant risks posed by ageing infrastructure, environmental stressors, and the lack of independent insight into the facilities.

 

For the first time the report „Nuclear Safety Under Strain: Ageing Infrastructure, Governance and Environmental Risk in North Korea“ provides a comprehensive assessment of nuclear safety in North Korea.

The analysis addresses the significant gaps in understanding of nuclear safety in North Korea, where nuclear facilities have been operating for decades largely without independent access. The report combines satellite imagery, historical records and expert knowledge to assess risks across the entire nuclear fuel cycle.

A particular focus is on the interplay between ageing infrastructure and increasing environmental stressors, such as flooding, which exacerbate existing vulnerabilities. At the same time, the report also highlights the limitations of the analysis: while satellite imagery can reveal external damage, internal operational procedures and the condition of safety systems remain hidden. The report thus provides a well-founded assessment of the known hazards and advocates for objective, transparent risk communication.

Full report here

09.09.2026