TUM celebrates next milestone for research reactor

Political support for conversion to Low Enriched Uranium

Bavarian Minister of Science and the Arts Markus Blume said: "We want Germany's most powerful research reactor to operate in the future with the most advanced Low Enriched Uranium fuel – and at the same performance levels as in the past. This will secure the neutron research which is elementary to so many future-oriented fields at the center of scientific activity in Bavaria. It is also an investment in the further development of these fuels. We are convinced: Strength in research and open-mindedness in technology without ideological tunnel-vision are essential prerequisites for a good and secure future."

TUM President Prof. Thomas F. Hofmann commented: "We are very pleased by this positive reaction from the political sector. The research reactor is an irreplaceable tool for science. The neutrons it generates enable non-destructive testing for example of batteries and of materials for high-performance gas turbines. The research reactor is also used in the manufacture of cancer medications and was even involved in the investigation of mRNA vaccines."

Corey Hinderstein, Deputy Administrator for Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation at the National Nuclear Security Administration of the United States Department of Energy said: „The United States applauds the Technical University of Munich, Germany, and the Bavarian State in their decision to pursue a low-enriched uranium fuel for the FRM II reactor. This decision demonstrates a sincere commitment to HEU minimization and was made possible only after years of technical analysis to establish the technical basis for this landmark announcement. The National Nuclear Security Administration of the United States Department of Energy looks forward to our continued collaboration with TUM on this conversion project. We recognize that a timely and successful conversion of FRM II is key to the future viability and long-term operation of the reactor.“