Status of the FRM-II project at Garching

The FRM-II is a new research reactor at Garching near Munich with a maximal power of 20 MW. Because of its single element compact core it will provide a max. thermal flux of 8 · 1014 cm-2sec-1 outside of the core. It is presently under construction. All buildings are almost completely erected, the installation of the technical components is in progress and the non nuclear operation for testing has started. In accordance with the time schedule the nuclear commissioning will begin in January, 2001. The first partial licence for the concept of the whole plant and the erection of the reactor building was obtained in April, 1996 and the second partial licence for the erection of the complete facility was given in October, 1997. The third permit for the nuclear commissioning and operation is expected for fall 2000. The new German government is presently discussing which consequences a conversion of the FRM-II to reduced or low enrichment would have. From scientific, technical and economic reasons there is no doubt, however, that the FRM-II should best go into operation with highly enriched fuel as planned. Thus, the Technical University of Munich (TUM) as the overall manager and Siemens AG (KWU) being the general supplier are confident that this high flux neutron source will soon be available for the benefit of the national and international scientific community. (author)