Electrical Upgrades Extend Life of Hanford Power Grid

RICHLAND, Wash. – A top Hanford priority got a major boost thanks to upgrades to the site’s massive electrical system.

Under the leadership of EM contractor Hanford Mission Integration Solutions (HMIS), subcontractors DGR and Titan Electric installed approximately 8 miles of new aluminum-conductor steel-reinforced cable, boosting the electrical system capacity by more than 40% to support Hanford’s Direct-Feed Low-Activity Waste (DFLAW) Program.

The team also removed 400 aging utility poles and copper conductors, replacing many with new poles, extending the life of the system to at least 2050. Modernizing the electrical lines increases safety and efficiency.

“The removal and replacement of aging circuits throughout the central portion of the Hanford Site supports tank waste operations, including DFLAW operations, which are high priorities for Hanford,” said Jeff Frey, DOE assistant manager for mission support. “This infrastructure upgrade is one of many that will allow DFLAW to successfully treat and vitrify Hanford tank waste.”

Vitrification is a process in which tank waste is immobilized in glass.

During the project, HMIS scheduled dozens of planned, safe outages to swap power from the old system to the new one. The work also included adding fiber-optic communication cables and new underground power lines, which will reduce the chance of future weather-related outages.

“The timely completion of this high-priority project exemplifies the One Hanford mission,” said Todd Synoground, HMIS senior vice president of infrastructure and site services. “We are proud of our coordination and integration to upgrade Hanford’s critical electrical system in preparation for the startup and commissioning of DFLAW.”