U.S. ADVANCES IN FIELD OF ATOM ENERGY

Greymouth Evening Star, 29 November 1949, Page 5

U.S. ADVANCES IN FIELD OF ATOM ENERGY

WASHINGTON, November 28 (Rec 11 a.m.).—The Atomic Energy Commission announced today that it is beginning the construction immediately of an experimental device, with which it will try to “breed” precious atomic “Breeding” would mean greatly expanded resources of atomic materials for use in bombs or as fuels in peace-time applications of atomic energy. It would mean that full use could be made of uranium 238, the non-fissionable kind which is 140 times more plentiful than uranium The commission announced it hoped to complete an experimental “breeder” by the end of 1950. It also announced the construction dates for three other atomic reactors. One to start next spring would be for testing materials that might be used for industrial power and the propulsion of aircraft. Another would be a land-based prototype of the reactor designed to propel ships and construction on. it would be underway in 1952. The third which will be built in 1950, would be a reactor to produce significant amounts of electrical power and at the same time “breed” atomic material fox’ further use.. The commission intends to train specialists in reactor development as the shortage of men in this field has seriously hampered the programme for the design and construction of new types of nuclear reactors.”