Research reactor

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A nuclear reactor designed mainly for generation of high neutron intensities for research purposes. May also be used for training, material testing and generation of radionuclides. As of June 2004, the International Atomic Agency’s Research Reactor Database contains information on 672 research reactors, of which 274 are operational in 56 countries (85 in 39 developing countries), 214 are shutdown, 168 have been decommissioned and 16 are planned or under construction.

Number of research reactors in industrialized and developing countries

Age distribution of research reactors, IAEA June 2004

Distribution of thermal powers of operating reactors, IAEA June 2004