Australia’s only nuclear reactor recently celebrated more than 1000 days of improving Australia’s health, economy and environment.
Opened in 2007, the $460 million multi-purpose Open Pool Australian Lightwater (OPAL) research reactor is operated by the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), in Sydney’s Sutherland Shire.
“The OPAL reactor makes a huge contribution to Australia – scientifically, economically and environmentally,” said Dr Greg Storr, General Manager of ANSTO’s Nuclear Operations.
“OPAL is one of the most reliable research reactors in the world, and has quickly become a fundamental part of Australia’s scientific, business and medical landscape.”
Dr Storr said the production of nuclear medicine was one of the most visible and immediate contributions that OPAL makes to the country.
“The fact is that one in two Australians will receive a nuclear medicine procedure in their lifetime – be it a diagnosis or treatment,” Dr Storr said.
“Demand for nuclear medicine from ANSTO is now at an all time high. We are meeting Australian demand and protecting Australia from world-wide nuclear medicine shortages.
“The OPAL reactor provides about 550,000 patient doses of nuclear medicine each year, with the vast majority sent directly to more than 200 Australian hospitals and medical facilities.”
Dr Storr said people might be surprised to learn the other many and varied roles that the OPAL reactor plays in supporting their health, lifestyle and environment.
“We irradiate around ten per cent of the world’s silicon ingots for Neutron Transmutation Doped Silicon, which are used in the electronics of technologies such as hybrid cars, fast trains and electricity generation and supply,” Dr Storr said.
“We have worked with the Australian mining industry to assist their processing of uranium ore, and improve environmental performance.
“OPAL is a centre for research excellence, and each year around 300 of the world’s top researchers in neutron scattering flock to OPAL to study materials at the molecular level.
“And right now, we’re applying nuclear techniques to develop new food technologies, improve resource management, and develop better imaging techniques for diagnosing diseases.”
Key roles of the OPAL reactor include:
- Producing nuclear medicine: Every week, ANSTO produces more than 10,000 doses of life-saving nuclear medicine for heart and cancer patients. These are produced by 70 ANSTO staff and delivered to more than 200 medical centres across Australia;
- Irradiating silicon ingots: Irradiated silicon is used in various electronic devices when electrical switching is important such as in hybrid cars and fast trains. OPAL currently irradiates around 10 per cent of the world supply of this type of silicon; and
- Providing a centre for research excellence: More than 100 research articles have been published following work at the reactor, including cutting-edge studies concerning organic solar cells and the study of food to provide insight into diet-related diseases.
Published: 24/03/2012