NNSA Grants Y-12 Startup Authorization for Calciner Project

New modernization effort exemplifies NNSA's more advanced uranium strategy

WASHINGTON - The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) authorized startup of the Calciner Project at the Y-12 National Security and supports ongoing efforts to transform and recapitalize Y-12 in support of the nation's nuclear deterrent mission.

The calciner system will process uranium-bearing solutions from pipes and other vessels into a stable, solid form for safe, efficient storage. It enables the decontamination and shutdown of a WWII-era production building. The new process replaces a method that was less efficient and carried greater hazards.

"Achieving startup authorization for calciner is an important step for the overall safety, security, and long-term viability of uranium operations for the nation," said NNSA Administrator Brandon Williams. "President Trump has made it abundantly clear that we need to move faster and safer than ever before and this project demonstrates that we can meet the demands our deterrent mission dictates."

Bringing the calciner online directly supports Y-12's operational strategy for uranium, which is designed to:

• decrease safety risks by reducing uranium inventories in process facilities
• sustain existing operations through improved technologies and process relocation where feasible
• extend the operational life of critical buildings
• transition major uranium operations to the state-of-the-art Uranium Processing Facility

"Converting uranium solutions with the calciner is safer and more efficient," said President and CEO of Consolidated Nuclear Security Todd Ailes, which manages and operates Y-12 for NNSA. "Bringing this process online will reduce risk and consolidate storage."

Calciner marks the second authorized nuclear operations process startup at Y-12 in the past year, following electrorefining - the first new nuclear operation startup at the site in approximately 20 years. Together, these milestones reflect NNSA's continued commitment to modernizing infrastructure, improving safety, and increasing efficiency across the Nuclear Security Enterprise as it works to strengthen the nation's nuclear deterrent.