Abstracts and Available Papers Presented at the
1998 International RERTR Meeting

Research Reactor Developments in Australia

Robert Godfrey
Counsellor (Nuclear)
Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation
Embassy of Australia, Washington DC

Abstract

The Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) operates the 10 MW research reactor, HIFAR, at the Lucas Heights site approximately 30 kilometres south of Sydney. Although recent reviews and inspections have confirmed that HIFAR operates safely by an adequate margin and has minimal impact, it was concluded that the reactor design and age places limitations on its operation and utilisation, and that HIFAR is approaching the end of its economic life. In September 1997, a decision was made by the Australian Government to fund ANSTO for the construction of a replacement research reactor on the existing Lucas Heights site, subject to the requisite environmental assessment process. A Draft EIS has been prepared and is currently undergoing public review. A design specification is in preparation, and a research reactor vendor pre-qualification process has been initiated. Spent fuel shipments have been made to Dounreay and to the Savannah River Site, and discussions are continuing regarding the disposition of the existing spent fuel and that arising from HIFAR’s remaining operation.