The OPAL reactor was taken critical today at 12:15 pm. Today's criticality was the first since the reactor was shutdown in July 2007, following the identification of a number of displaced fuel plates in the reactor core.
According to ANSTO's "return to service program" it is expected that full power operation will be achieved before the end of May.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank: all the ANSTO staff who have been involved in the shutdown activities, fuel modification submission and the "return to service" program; people from a number of national & international organisations that assisted and supported these activities; our users and customers for their understanding and patience during this difficult period; and staff from the Australian nuclear regulator, ARPANSA, for their focus and rigour of the fuel submission.
Published: 09/05/2008