Atomic Energy of Canada (AECL) has again pushed back the anticipated start-up date for its National Research Universal (NRU) nuclear reactor in Chalk River, Ontario.
NRU's earliest return-to-service is now scheduled for the end of April. The reactor, which supplies approximately half of the demand for medical isotopes in the U.S., has been offline since the discovery of a major water leak in May 2009.
AECL began repairs in December 2009. So far, 43% of repair activities and related postrepair examinations have been completed.
In its February 24 update, AECL noted "[e]very effort is being made to return the NRU to service as soon as possible. The repair team continues to work around the clock, seven days a week. Technical challenges with the repair sequence ... continue to pose risk of schedule slippage."
Related Reading
AECL confirms delay for Chalk River, January 29, 2010
Chalk River restart may be delayed, January 15, 2010
AECL requests uranium from U.S., January 7, 2010
AECL reactor repairs on schedule, December 24, 2009
Canada takes bids on AECL unit, December 18, 2009
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