PRIME Minister John Howard officially opened a new $400 million...

PRIME Minister John Howard officially opened a new $400 million nuclear research reactor in Sydney, despite safety concerns.

The OPAL reactor at Lucas Heights replaces Australia's first nuclear research facility, which was shut down in January after 48 years of operation.

Mr Howard toured the new reactor this morning before officially opening the facility, watched by about 200 scientists, politicians and a delegation from Argentina, the source of the fuel which feeds the reactor.

The $400 million reactor was switched on in August last year and generates twice as much energy as the old reactor.

Genevieve Kelly from People Against a Nuclear Reactor said said there were serious problems at the plant, the ABC reported.

"There are leaks in the outer tank which means the heavy water has mixed with the light water and that makes for major problems with efficiency," she said.

Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) executive director Ian Smith said that while there had been problems, there was no safety risk.

"We've had some minor commissioning problems, but overall you'd say it's been an excellent project," he said on ABC.

http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,21589878-2,00.html