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FRM II Garching Will Not Restart in 2025 as Replacement Part Still Missing

Officials cite years-long fabrication failures with the reactor’s central channel.

Overview

  • Bavaria’s science ministry told lawmakers it cannot give a definitive date for recommissioning the Technische Universität München reactor.
  • The facility has been offline since March 2020, and a leak detected in January 2022 requires replacing the central channel that holds the fuel element, which the ministry says posed no safety risk.
  • The replacement central channel was ordered in 2013 for delivery in 2014, but supplier, material and welding issues have prevented manufacturing and installation.
  • About €2 million has been spent on procuring the part, with roughly €500,000 more expected, excluding internal personnel and travel costs.
  • Green lawmakers and other critics question management and financial oversight as the reactor remains idle with substantial staffing costs.