[cdn-nucl-l] ANSTO chooses Argentinian reactor

["Brown, Morgan" <brownmj@aecl.ca>]

Rats!

The Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) bought an
Argentinian research reactor rather than the AECL MAPLE design (or the
French Technicatome or German Siemens bids).. 

 At http://www.ansto.gov.au/info/press/2000_06.html


6 June 2000
Preferred Tenderer For ANSTO's Replacement Reactor
The Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) announced
today that the Argentine company, INVAP S.E., in alliance with John Holland
Construction & Engineering Pty Ltd and Evans Deakin Industries Limited, has
been selected as the preferred tenderer for the replacement nuclear research
reactor which is to be constructed at ANSTO's site at Lucas Heights, near
Sydney.
The announcement follows an exhaustive evaluation of offers from the four
companies which had pre-qualified to participate in the tender.
In making the announcement, the Chief Executive of ANSTO, Professor Helen
Garnett, said "The reactor satisfies the condition precedent of meeting all
documented safety requirements and will deliver high performance for both
neutron beam facilities and irradiation facilities." 
Professor Garnett added, "The replacement reactor will ensure that, for many
years to come, all Australians will be able to benefit from reactor
operations in areas such as nuclear medicine, the environment, industry,
science, education and government."
Professor Garnett said that INVAP S.E. is a State Corporation that has links
to the Argentine National Commission for Atomic Energy. INVAP's business
interests span nuclear technology, space technology, medical therapy, and
environmental technology.
Professor Garnett went on to say that the offer from INVAP was within the
budget for the reactor facility, and that the parties will now enter into
pre-contract negotiations.