Spent Nuclear Fuel Facility Modifications Mark Progress on Commitment to Idaho

During the demonstration, the transfer car insert will help move the fuel through the facility for repackaging into U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) standard canisters. Once repackaged, the fuel will be staged to prepare for permanent disposal outside the state - a commitment to Idaho by DOE's Office of Environmental Management (EM).

Woolstenhulme expects all transfer car insert modifications to be completed by the end of 2024, allowing installation to begin early next year.

Other modifications include important components to the facility, such as a truck bay ramp and permanent containment structure, which encloses the transfer car and protects the workforce from radiation exposure. Crews will expand that structure's door and fill in the truck bay ramp in fiscal year 2025, fortifying the facility's infrastructure to ensure safe fuel handling and transport.

Woolstenhulme credits the spent nuclear fuel workforce for the progress to date.

"We have such a committed group of professionals supporting this project," Woolstenhulme said. "By completing targeted modifications to the facility, we will be better equipped to fulfill our mission."