Atomic researchIn 1960, the first atomic reactor for research and development began operation at Richland, Wa. The plant was built to determine the suitability of plutonium as a reactor fuel. There was a need to recycle plutonium resulting from weapons production. Plutonium-239 enriched uranium-235 was expected to give increased energy output, with less need for the expensive uranium-isotope separation facilities. The Hanford Atomic Products Operation was operated by the General Electric Company for the Atomic Energy Commission.« |
