Canada to shut down one of its SLOWPOKE reactors

The University of Alberta in Edmonton began shutting down its SLOWPOKE-II reactor. The shutdown process is expected to be completed in late 2017.

SLOWPOKE-II Alberta is one of the two reactors of this type that still use HEU fuel. Another reactor is operated by Saskatchewan Research Council in Saskatoon. Canada is also using HEU targets to produce medical isotopes at its NRU reactor.