Update on decommissioning Fort Greely nuclear reactor
The SM-1A reactor at Fort Greely commissioned in 1962 was the only nuclear reactor ever deployed in Alaska. Built by the U.S. Army during the Cold War, the SM-1A was a small, pressurized water reactor that supplied both power and steam heat to the base. When the reactor was shut down in 1972, most highly radioactive components were removed shortly afterward but portions of the reactor system were sealed and placed into long-term safe storage so that radiation levels could decay over time. More than fifty years later, the final phase of dismantlement has begun.
The upcoming Alaska Nuclear Energy Working Group meeting will feature a presentation on this final decommissioning process at Fort Greely. Nicole Strong with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers鈥 will present a talk titled 鈥淎laska鈥檚 only nuclear reactor: The history and final decommissioning of Fort Greely鈥檚 SM-1A.鈥
When: 11 a.m. AKDT, Tuesday, March 24
Please .
The Alaska Nuclear Energy Working Group, hosted by ACEP, brings together members of the public, researchers and industry stakeholders to investigate advanced nuclear reactor technologies and examine their potential role, benefits, and challenges within the Alaska energy landscape.
ANEWG working group meetings occur on the fourth Tuesday of the month and include presentations from researchers, industry leaders and others involved in the nuclear energy sector with time for Q&A and discussion. The working group may also be called upon to provide input on future studies and policy direction. We welcome broad and active participation.
Visit the ANEWG webpage to learn about and join the group.
Please email Clare Loftus at celoftus@alaska.edu for more information.