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How safe are nuclear research reactors?

Research reactors are extremely safe.  There has been the equivalent of over 16,000 years of operation of research reactors worldwide.  In all that time, there has never been an accident that affected the health or safety of people outside the reactor building.

OPAL has design and construction features that ensure effective protection for individuals, the general community and the environment in regard to radiological hazards.  The reactor has been designed with multiple safety systems to minimise the possibility and impact of any accident.  Its design is based on the use of inherently safe systems, such that, for example, it will safely shut down even if there is complete loss of electrical or water supplies.

It is also important to understand that a research reactor is very different to a nuclear power plant.  For example, OPAL uses about 30kg of uranium fuel, in contrast to power reactors that use hundreds of tonnes, so the potential for significant radiological consequences in any accident is greatly reduced.  As research reactors are not used for power generation, they also operate at much lower temperatures and pressures.  OPAL typically operates at around 45 degrees Celsius - not even hot enough to make a cup of tea!