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The OPAL research reactor's design and integrated safety features mean it is extremely safe; a fact confirmed by independent analysis.

ANSTO's OPAL reactor is one of the world's most advanced and reliable research reactors today. To ensure we can continue operating OPAL safely and reliably and maximise utilisation, ANSTO must regularly carry out maintenance and upgrades.

Australia’s Open Pool Australian Lightwater (OPAL) reactor is a state-of-the-art 20 megawatt multi-purpose reactor that uses low enriched uranium (LEU) fuel to achieve a range of  activities to benefit human health, enable research to support a more sustainable environment and provide innovative solutions for industry.

The OPAL research reactor operates on an annual (calendar year) program. This page provides details of OPAL's operating cycles including maintenance information.

With the screening of the popular HBO series about Chernobyl, we asked our Nuclear Analysis team for their insights on key differences between the reactor in the TV series, a Generation II RBMK power reactor and ANSTO’s state of the art research reactor OPAL.

ANSTO’s OPAL multi-purpose research reactor at Lucas Heights has officially returned to power and recommenced operations, following a months-long planned shutdown to carry out essential maintenance and upgrades.