USEC Transfers

Securing nuclear material — domestically and internationally — is one part of Y‑12's nuclear nonproliferation business. We manage programs that actually remove surplus highly enriched uranium (HEU) from the stored, secured inventory on site. This is in line with the United States' commitment to reduce potential nuclear proliferation by reducing the amount of stored weapons-usable material that is in excess of national security needs.

The United States Enrichment Corporation (USEC) HEU Transfer Program ships surplus HEU from Y‑12 to BWXT-Nuclear Products Division in Lynchburg, Virginia, where it is blended with natural uranium. The resulting low-enriched uranium (LEU) is then fabricated into reactor fuel, which USEC markets to customers worldwide.

Converting HEU to fuel makes HEU proliferation proof; reduces costs associated with storing, inventorying and safeguarding the material; and assists in de-inventorying storage facilities, freeing additional storage space in processing areas. Marketing the resulting fuel product recovers the economic value inherent in the material.

Title to the HEU was transferred to USEC as part of the effort to privatize domestic uranium enrichment. From 1998 to September 2005, material with potential energy sufficient to meet nearly one-quarter of the annual U.S. residential demand for electricity was transferred.

The USEC HEU Transfer Program, managed by the HEU Disposition Program Office at Y‑12, was the first and largest disposition program for surplus HEU initiated by the U.S. Department of Energy. Preparing and executing this program developed a solid foundation that has benefited all subsequent HEU disposition activities.

Y‑12ers can be extremely proud of their part in this significant nonproliferation initiative and are to be congratulated for bringing the shipping portion of the program to a successful conclusion. Blending of the materials to LEU will continue into mid 2006.