The US Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration (DoE/NNSA) has announced a major milestone in the construction of the Uranium Processing Facility (UPF) at the Y-12 National Security Complex in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.
The energisation of the salvage and accountability building, the last structure to be connected to the Y-12 power grid, marks the project's transition into its final phase of construction.
The UPF, once completed, will replace Second World War-era facilities and become the central hub for uranium operations crucial to the US nuclear stockpile, nuclear non-proliferation and naval nuclear propulsion.
The facility is expected to enhance the safety, security and long-term viability of enriched uranium capabilities in the US, with improvements in operator safety and reductions in operating and maintenance costs.
The project's recent milestone enables final testing of installed equipment and moves it closer to comprehensive systems testing and commissioning.
NNSA Production Modernisation and Materials Management principal assistant deputy administrator Audrey Beldio said: “This milestone marks a significant step forward for Y-12, the 2,500 men and women supporting the UPF project, and the nation’s nuclear security.
“The modernisation of uranium operations at Y-12 is absolutely critical to the United States’ nuclear weapons programme, the nuclear non-proliferation mission, and the Navy’s nuclear fleet.”
Bechtel, under the direction of Consolidated Nuclear Security (CNS), is managing the delivery of the UPF project for the NNSA.
The UPF project has seen contributions from more than 480 suppliers across 42 states.
CNS president and CEO Rich Tighe said: “With the energisation of the final Uranium Processing Facility building, Y-12 is one step closer to modernising key processes.
“Safer and more efficient production operations is a long-term goal of the Y-12 team. CNS is actively preparing the site for the UPF start-up and commissioning to ensure a smooth transition between the current 80-year-old facilities and the new uranium processing capabilities.”
Currently, four out of seven UPF subprojects have been completed, including site readiness, site infrastructure and services, the substation, and the mechanical electrical building.
The remaining subprojects under construction are the main process building, salvage and accountability building, and process support facilities, with the latter expected to be completed within the year.
In related news, the US Department of the Interior recently approved Anfield Energy's Velvet-Wood uranium-vanadium mine in San Juan County, Utah, to bolster the nation's mineral security.
