5 May (NucNet): The Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety
Agency (ARPANSA) has given the go-ahead to restart the country's OPAL
research reactor.
The Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), which operates OPAL, said today it expects the build-up to full operation will take some weeks.
OPAL, near Sydney, was shut down in July 2007 following the partial displacement of some fuel plates discovered during a routine fuel change. After the shut-down, investigations indicated the problem was caused by a combination of factors, including inadequate design and fuel manufacture techniques.
ARPANSA approved a modified fuel design for OPAL and the future use of the fuel on 2 May 2008.
In a separate development, ANSTO said today that chief executive Ian Smith had decided not to accept an extension to his contract and that his term of appointment would end on 16 May 2008.
ANSTO said Australian-born Mr Smith plans to return to New Zealand with his family and resume a non-executive career which had been deferred by his four-year term at ANSTO.
ANSTO board chairman Ziggy Switkowski said Mr Smith's dedication and effective leadership had lifted ANSTO to higher levels of performance in the key areas of nuclear research, production of radiopharmaceuticals, and industry partnerships as well as positioning the organisation at the forefront of debate about future nuclear strategies for Australia.
Ron Cameron, presently ANSTO's chief of operations, will take on the additional role of acting chief executive officer while the organisation seeks a successor to Mr Smith.
Related reports in the NucNet database (available to subscribers)
New Executive Director of Australia's ANSTO Named (News No. 3, 17 February 2004)
Australian Regulator Calls For More Information Before OPAL's Restart (World Nuclear Review No. 8, 22 February 2008)
Australian Regulator Approves Modified Fuel Design For Opal (World Nuclear Review No. 16, 2 May 2008)
