This striking industrial photograph captures the No. 1 Storage Block inside the HIFAR reactor hall, where spent fuel elements were securely stored.
Operating on four-week program cycles, HIFAR gradually depleted its fuel, requiring safe containment before removal. The storage block’s design allowed for controlled cooling and radiation decay before further processing.
Surrounding the block, fuel position markings, shielding plates, and industrial tools reflect the precision and engineering that defined Australia’s first nuclear reactor.
A unique print for those fascinated by scientific heritage, nuclear infrastructure, and industrial architecture.