Page 251 - Beyond Decommissioning

232 Beyond Decommissioning

Fig. 6.29 View of the Internal Renovation of Bldg. 305, after Conversion into Hot Cell
Verification Facility.
Credit to US DOE.

6.5.8 Research Reactor, Garching Munich, Germany (Brenk, 2010)

The 4-MW, pool-type Research Reactor Munich (FRM, in German) was the first reac-
tor to be in operation in Germany in 1957. Its unique shape gave it the nickname of
“Atomic Egg” (Fig. 6.30). After having been a source of neutrons for physical, med-
ical, and other research, it finally shut down in 2000. The first decommissioning
license was granted in 2014.
FRM-II was built next to the old FRM as a more powerful source of neutrons.
FRM-II commenced operation in 2004. After the old FRM is decommissioned and
converted, the reactor building, which is protected as an architectural monument
by the Preservation of Historical Monuments Act, will be integrated into the FRM-
II where it is to serve as an extension to the neutron conduct hall of the FRM-II
and so provide additional space for experiments.
FRM II is open to visitors. Visits should be registered in advance by email or phone.
The visitor needs to be older than 16 years, not pregnant and no cellphones or cameras
are allowed during the tour.

6.5.9 Research Reactor, Helmholtz Zentrum Munich (Rehs, 2018)

An unusual kind of research reactor reuse can be found at Helmholtz Zentrum,
Munich. The 1-MW, TRIGA Mark III reactor (Forschungsreaktor Neuherberg,
FRN) operated from 1972 to 1982, when it was permanently shut down. Within