Letter to the Editor: Will AUKUS nuclear subs leak radioactivity?

DEAR News Of The Area,

SERIOUS questions need to be asked about AUKUS nuclear subs and the secret plan for a nuclear submarine base in the Port of Newcastle.

The UK has experienced several issues with their nuclear subs, including fabrication defects; “signs of flaw” in their reactors; serious cracking to reactor cooling circuits; coolant leaks and radioactive discharges to the environment.

In November 2009, a safety review by the UK Defence Nuclear Safety Regulator identified various reactor misfunctions and safety risks of Type H Core submarine reactors, including:

• potential failure of the reactor primary coolant circuit,

• leak of highly radioactive fission products,

• significant risk to life in close proximity,

• public safety hazard out to 1.5km from the submarine.

Our Navy is planning to receive at least one Astute Class sub from the UK, powered by a H Core nuclear reactor.

Astute Class boats were discovered to have other defects, during operational trials of HMS Astute in 2023.

There was a “mismatch” between the PWR-2 nuclear reactor, the steam turbines and the boat’s gearbox.

Other problems included some construction defects, corrosion and pipework that leaked while at depth, as well as defective instrumentation for the nuclear reactor.

Furthermore, Type H Core reactors are fully sealed, creating major problems for reactor engineers when they need to safely re-open, refuel and close those reactors.

Will Type H Core reactors be re-designed and manufactured to avoid these defects, cracking, radiation leaks and engineering problems before our Navy takes delivery of a UK sub?

Are there sufficient dockyard workers and engineers in Australia?

Will they be adequately trained in the refit and maintenance of Astute Class nuclear reactors?

What are the health risks to nearby communities?

How will the Navy protect us from unplanned radioactive releases from AUKUS submarines?

Will Newcastle become a defacto nuclear waste dump for decommissioned nuclear reactor cores and spent fuel rods?

Regards,
Kenneth HIGGS,
Raymond Terrace.