Canadian reactor a historic landmark

Wednesday, 3 November 2010 After 50 years of service, Canada's Zero Energy Deuterium 2 (ZED-2) reactor has been named a 'nuclear historic landmark' by the American Nuclear Society (ANS). The research reactor, run by Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd (AECL) was hailed for its 'outstanding contributions' to the global nuclear industry, which have mainly involved testing fuel designs for AECL's Candu reactor series, and testing advanced fuel cycles for future reactor concepts. "Over the past 50 years, ZED-2 has proven to be a key facility in the advancement of nuclear science and technology for the benefit of people around the world. This prestigious ANS award is clear evidence of this," said AECL spokesman Rick Didsbury. The ZED-2 facility, which was built in the 1950s and continues to operate to this day, will have its landmark status notified by a bronze plaque on display at the Chalk River site.