AECL begins removal of fuel rods on NRU reactor

CHALK RIVER, ONTARIO - AECL announced it has begun the process of removing fuel rods from the NRU reactor as part of the process to repair the reactor and return it to service.

There were approximately 100 rods in the reactor at the time NRU was shutdown on May 14. Of this total, 81 were used for fuel and the remaining used for isotope production and reactor control.

Rod removal will take an estimated three to four weeks to complete.

Further guidance on a return to service date beyond the current estimate of at least three months will be provided when a final decision has been made with respect to the repair technique chosen.

AECL confirms that there is no threat to workers, the public, the environment or nuclear safety related to this event.