ANSTO (Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation)
The Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) is a statutory body of the Australian Government, established to conduct nuclear research and technology development for civilian purposes. Headquartered in Lucas Heights, New South Wales, ANSTO operates under the Department of Indus
Key Stats
100/100
ANSTO (Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation)
Country: Australia Fleet Size: 1 reactor(s) in platform database Total Tracked Capacity: —
Overview
The Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) is a statutory body of the Australian Government, established to conduct nuclear research and technology development for civilian purposes. Headquartered in Lucas Heights, New South Wales, ANSTO operates under the Department of Industry, Science and Resources, focusing on advancing nuclear science, producing medical isotopes, and supporting industrial and environmental research. It manages the OPAL (Open Pool Australian Light-water) research reactor, a critical asset for radioisotope production and neutron beam research, contributing significantly to Australia’s health and scientific sectors. Globally, ANSTO is recognized for its role in supplying molybdenum-99, a key isotope for medical imaging, addressing critical shortages in the international market.
Recent Developments
In the past 12-24 months, ANSTO has continued to enhance its medical isotope production capabilities, with the OPAL reactor maintaining a stable supply of molybdenum-99 despite global supply chain challenges. In 2023, ANSTO announced progress on infrastructure upgrades at Lucas Heights to support increased production capacity and waste management, aligning with national nuclear safety standards. Additionally, ANSTO has strengthened international partnerships, including collaborations with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to support nuclear technology training and capacity building in the Asia-Pacific region.
Reactor Fleet (Platform Database)
| Reactor | Country | Type | Capacity (MWe) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OPAL (Open Pool Australian Light-water) | Australia | Pool | — | OPERATIONAL |
Sources
- Official Website — Official organization website
- IAEA Reactor Database — IAEA Power Reactor Information System
- World Nuclear Association — WNA nuclear industry reference
Enriched by Grok · Second Atomic Age Nuclear Wiki · 2026-05-10
Sources (1)
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The Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) is Australia's national nuclear research and development agency, established in 1987 to replace the Australian Atomic Energy Commission. It is a statutory body under the Australian Government, operating under the Department of Indust