The Hon Julie Bishop MP - Minister for Education, Science and Training, and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Women's Issues

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Media Release

Additional funding for OPAL reactor

8 May 2007

BUDB 35/07

The Minister for Education, Science and Training, the Hon Julie Bishop MP, today announced that the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) will receive an additional $22 million over four years for the operation of the Open Pool Australian Light-water (OPAL) Reactor.

The funding was announced as part of the 2007-08 Budget and provides for increased insurance, water, electricity and nuclear fuel costs of the new higher capacity reactor.

"OPAL is Australia’s single largest science investment and it is critical that it operates at full capacity," Minister Bishop said.

"By providing this funding, the Australian Government is ensuring the delivery of the vital benefits the reactor can deliver from ground-breaking scientific research and health care for all Australians."

The OPAL Reactor is currently being commissioned and, when in full operation will be one of the world’s leading research reactors. It will be an important source of radiopharmaceuticals for more than 500,000 Australians annually and will supply the growth in demand expected to come from health providers within Australia and internationally.

The Reactor’s superior neutron scattering instruments will enable scientists to learn more about the structure and function of materials than previously possible. Scientists can then develop high-performance materials for a wide range of industries and ensure materials used in industrial applications perform safely and efficiently.

"This is an exciting new era for nuclear science in Australia," Minister Bishop said.

"OPAL will enable Australian scientists to explore new applications in areas such as molecular biology, food research, polymers and new drug design."

The Minister said the Reactor’s superior capabilities also have the potential to double ANSTO’s ability to supply the world market with irradiated silicon.

Media Contacts

Minister Bishop’s Office: Tory Vidler 0414 228 727

ANSTO: Sharon Kelly 0400 394 085

Supporting Information

Why is this important?

This proposal will ensure the full potential of the new OPAL reactor can be harnessed.

OPAL, a 20 Megawatt research reactor, replaces the recently shut down 10 Megawatt High Flux Australian Reactor (HIFAR) reactor. OPAL has the capacity to produce more neutrons for scientific use, nuclear medicine and irradiation of silicon for the semiconductor industry.

This additional funding provides for the increase in operating costs of the new higher capacity reactor.

Who will benefit?

The Australian community, through ground-breaking scientific research and production of radiopharmaceuticals. It is expected that, on average, each Australian will need at least one nuclear medicine treatment in their lifetime.

Australian scientists will have easier access to one of the world’s leading research reactors, enabling the development of high-performance materials for a wide range of industries and the exploration of new applications in areas such as molecular biology, food research, polymers and new drug design.

The reactor’s superior capabilities also have the potential to double the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation’s (ANSTO’s) ability to supply the world market with irradiated silicon.

What funding is the Government committing to the initiative?

$22 million over four years representing $5.5 million per annum.

What have we done in the past?

The OPAL reactor is currently being commissioned and is due to commence normal operation in 2007.

It replaces the HIFAR at Lucas Heights, NSW which was shut down on 30 January 2007.

When will the initiative conclude?

Funding is provided for four years to 2010-11 with ongoing funding to be considered as part of the ensuing Quadrennial Funding Agreement.