ANSTO's Nuclear Reactors: Powering Medicine and Science in Australia

Australia's Nuclear History

Australia has a long and fascinating nuclear history, dating back to the construction of the High Flux Australian Reactor (HIFAR) in 1958. HIFAR was Australia's first nuclear reactor and played a pivotal role in the development of the country's nuclear medicine industry. Today, ANSTO operates the OPAL Australian Lightwater nuclear reactor, which is used to produce a range of radioactive medicines used in hospitals across Australia and around the world.

ANSTO's Lucas Heights Facility

ANSTO's Lucas Heights campus is located 40km southwest of the Sydney CBD. The campus is home to OPAL, as well as a range of other research facilities. ANSTO's scientists use OPAL to conduct a variety of experiments, including research into new medical treatments and the development of new materials.

Benefits of Nuclear Technology

Nuclear technology offers a number of benefits for society, including:

• The production of radioactive medicines
• The development of new medical treatments
• The study of materials science
• The generation of clean energy