Savannah River facility progresses on plutonium removal and pit production milestones

In a recent meeting of the South Carolina Governor's Nuclear Advisory Council, significant progress was reported on the state's efforts to manage excess plutonium and enhance nuclear capabilities. The meeting, held on March 31, 2025, highlighted key milestones in the "dilute and dispose" mission, which aims to remove 9.5 metric tons of excess plutonium from South Carolina by 2037.

The council announced that one metric ton of plutonium has already been downblended, with 61 additional downblends completed this year. Furthermore, nine shipments have been sent to the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP), which is set to reopen soon after maintenance. The council also reported the achievement of Critical Decision (CD) 2/3 for the Surplus Plutonium Disposition Project, allowing construction to begin on three additional processing lines at the K area reactor. This expansion is expected to enhance processing capabilities and support the goal of removing excess plutonium from the state.

In addition to plutonium management, the meeting addressed the Savannah River Pit Production Facility (SRPPF), which is being developed to reestablish the nation's pit production capabilities. Collaborating with Los Alamos National Laboratory, South Carolina aims to produce at least 50 pits per year starting in 2035. The council emphasized the importance of workforce training, with a new machine training center established to prepare personnel for future production needs.

The meeting also covered ongoing tritium production, a critical component for nuclear weapons. The council reported successful extraction operations and plans for a new Tritium Finishing Facility, expected to begin construction in the late 2030s. This facility will replace outdated infrastructure and ensure continued compliance with Department of Defense requirements.

Lastly, the council discussed a planned outage for 2025, which is progressing on schedule and within budget. This outage involves significant maintenance work, including the successful lifting of a 41,000-pound hatch cover to facilitate equipment removal and upgrades.

Overall, the discussions underscored South Carolina's commitment to nuclear safety and efficiency, with ongoing projects poised to enhance the state's role in national security and energy production. The council anticipates further developments in the coming months as these initiatives progress.