New process revives uranium purification after 20 years

The National Nuclear Security Administration has resumed uranium purification at the Y-12 National Security Complex using a new electrorefining process, the first in over two decades. This process enhances safety and efficiency while reducing risks from older methods.

The purified uranium will support national security efforts, including nuclear weapons and Navy reactors. The electrorefining technique, developed initially at Argonne National Laboratory, converts impure uranium into a manageable form. This modernization aims to replace outdated systems, ensuring a secure nuclear materials infrastructure.

NNSA Administrator Brandon Williams stated, “This achievement reflects our commitment to modernizing the Nuclear Security Enterprise.”