Soreq Nuclear Research Center is a nuclear research reactor in near Tel Aviv, Israel. It functions as a Pool-type research reactor (IRR-1, 5 MW). It is operated by Israel Atomic Energy Commission (IAEC). In service since 1960.
Plant data: WRI Global Power Plant Database (CC BY 4.0), id NUC-IL-SOREQ.
Data status
Known data
Calculated from dataset
Not available
Known, modelled and calculated values are kept separate. Missing fields are shown as unavailable.
Data provenance
Capacity and fuel are the upstream open-dataset record, not yet matched to a 2026 registry or GEM entry.
capacity: IAEA / NTI; fuel: IAEA / NTI
Facility overview
The Soreq Nuclear Research Center, near Yavne on Israel's central coast, operates the IRR-1, a 5 MW pool-type research reactor supplied by the United States in 1960 under “Atoms for Peace.” Unlike Dimona, Soreq is under IAEA safeguards and focuses on civilian research: radioisotope production, materials science, particle accelerators and nuclear medicine.
It is a research institution, not a power-generating reactor, and produces no grid electricity. Soreq is frequently referenced alongside Dimona in discussion of Israel's nuclear infrastructure, but the two sites differ sharply in mission and in their international monitoring status.
In context: how this plant compares
Technically it is described as Pool-type research reactor (IRR-1, 5 MW). This facility converts its energy source into electricity for the grid; its capacity, fuel type and location determine its role in the national power mix.
Capacity comparison computed from the WRI Global Power Plant Database; fuel-type context is general engineering background.
Key facts
- Share of Israel nuclear capacity
- 100.0% of 5 MW across 2 plants in this dataset
Calculated from the capacity and generation records in this dataset (WRI Global Power Plant Database (CC BY 4.0)).
Capacity vs largest nuclear plants in Israel
Installed capacity (MW), WRI Global Power Plant Database (CC BY 4.0).
Owner
Operated by Israel Atomic Energy Commission (IAEC).
Climate zone & how it works
This nuclear plant generates electricity for the grid. It sits in a hot-summer Mediterranean climate (Köppen Csa) — Northern Hemisphere, latitude 31.7°N — which shapes how much energy it can produce and how its output varies through the year.
Climate zone & typical temperatures: Köppen-Geiger world climate classification (Kottek et al. 2006, 0.5° grid).
Site climate & environmental severity
This site sits in an aggressive, high-corrosion environment (estimated ISO 9223 class C5 — Very high), with marine salt corrosion the leading environmental stress.
Indicative estimate via the ISO 9223:2012 informative method (atmospheric corrosivity from temperature, time-of-wetness and airborne salinity), using WorldClim climate normals, the Köppen-Geiger class and coast distance. Indicative, not a measured corrosion rate.
How it compares & nearby plants
The #1 largest nuclear power plant of 2 in Israel by capacity.
Israel has 2 nuclear power plants in this dataset, together about 5 MW of capacity.
Nearby power plants
- Paz Oil power station · Gas · 700 MW · Ashdod
- Eshkol · Gas · 1,683 MW · Southern District
- Dorad · Gas · 860 MW · Southern District
- Rutenberg · Coal · 2,290 MW · Southern District
- Zomet power station · Gas · 402 MW · Kiryat Gat
- Tzafit (Dalia) · Gas · 900 MW · Central District
Location
Coordinates 31.7486, 34.6325 from WRI Global Power Plant Database (CC BY 4.0). View on OpenStreetMap.
Frequently asked questions
What is Soreq Nuclear Research Center?
Soreq Nuclear Research Center is a nuclear research reactor in near Tel Aviv, Israel, operated by Israel Atomic Energy Commission (IAEC).
Is Soreq Nuclear Research Center a power plant?
No — Soreq Nuclear Research Center is a nuclear research reactor and does not generate grid electricity.
Where is Soreq Nuclear Research Center located?
It is located near Yavne, near Tel Aviv, at approximately 31.749, 34.633.
What does Soreq Nuclear Research Center do?
Soreq Nuclear Research Center is used for Pool-type research reactor (IRR-1, 5 MW).
Who operates Soreq Nuclear Research Center?
Soreq Nuclear Research Center is operated by Israel Atomic Energy Commission (IAEC).