Decommissioning

ANSTO has over 70 years of nuclear experience and knowhow. Operating Australia’s only nuclear research reactors, OPAL (2007 to present day), HIFAR (1958 to 2007) and MOATA (1961 to 1995), our teams work safely with radiation every day. We are experts in radiation safety and radioactive waste management.

Currently, ANSTO is safely managing two decommissioning projects, HIFAR and the National Research Cyclotron Facility (NRCF). MOATA was the first reactor in Australia to be decommissioned in 2009. Watch the video here.

What is decommissioning?

As a normal part of a nuclear facility’s lifecycle, decommissioning is considered from the start with a comprehensive decommissioning plan prepared in advance. This plan details the safe dismantling of the facility, ensures radiation protection, addresses environmental impacts, manages materials, and outlines the process for concluding regulatory authorisation for the facility and site.

These projects are complex and require effective management of technical and non-technical aspects. Key safety requirements include protecting workers and the public from radiation, managing industrial and non-radiological hazards, and ensuring environmental protection during and after the project.

HIFAR

What was HIFAR?

Australia’s first nuclear reactor HIFAR (High Flux Australian Reactor) began operations in 1958, marking the start of Australia’s nuclear age. As a multi-purpose reactor, HIFAR was central to research, radioisotope production, materials testing, neutron beam experiments, and silicon irradiation.

HIFAR Decommissioning

After almost 50 years of safe operation and service, HIFAR was shut down in 2007 when the OPAL reactor was commissioned. The spent fuel and heavy water from the HIFAR reactor were removed shortly after.

Learn more about the role HIFAR played in Australia’s nuclear history here.

Project update

In December 2024, the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) issued a licence for the initial decommissioning work at HIFAR Phase A (stage 1). Further stages (Phase A, stage 2 and stage 3) and Phase B which will include the decommissioning of the reactor core, will require additional regulatory approvals.

This initial licence approval, involving 10 years of planning, aims to utilise the team’s extensive knowledge before many key engineers retire from the workforce. Stage 1, now in progress, includes the removal of:

six neutron beam instruments

two fuel flasks

rig support equipment

silicon storage blocks

fuel assembly station

general utilisation equipment, and the

control room.

National Research Cyclotron Facility

What was the NRCF?

ANSTO plans to decommission its medical imaging research facility located on the grounds of Royal Prince Alfred Hospital (RPA) in Sydney. Known as the National Research Cyclotron Facility (NRCF), it operated for 30 years until 2021.

The NRCF housed a cyclotron (type of particle accelerator) used for medical imaging research such as producing nuclear medicine compounds. The facility was closed in 2021 with research moved to ANSTO’s OPAL research reactor at Lucas Heights.

Project update

The NRCF building is to be demolished with the land returned to the Sydney Local Health District (SLHD). Following regulatory approvals, demolition is expected to begin in 2027 and conclude in the late 2020s. The future use of the site will be incorporated into the master planning for the RPA Hospital campus.

Throughout this project, ANSTO will work closely with SLHD, nearby businesses, residents and other stakeholders to minimise any potential disruptions to hospital accessibility. Safety will be paramount in this demolition process with no risk to patients, staff or visitors to the hospital, during this time.

Like to keep up-to-date?

Key project updates and milestones will be shared on ANSTO’s social media channels. We invite you to follow our social media channels in the footer.