Electrorefining Project Achieves Startup Authorization at the Y-12 National Security Complex

OAK RIDGE, Tenn. – The U.S. Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration (DOE/NNSA) achieved startup authorization for the Electrorefining (ER) project, the first since the Highly Enriched Uranium Materials Facility 15 years ago. The ER project delivered an electrochemical uranium metal purification technology that is critical to the management of the nation’s nuclear stockpile. 

Building upon a process developed at Argonne National Laboratory, the Y-12 Development Organization matured the ER process into a safe, cost-effective method to convert impure uranium metal into purified uranium metal.

“The ER Project revolutionizes enriched uranium processing and purified metal production at Y-12,” said Audrey Beldio, NNSA Principal Assistant Deputy Administrator for Production Modernization and Materials Management. "ER Startup marks a significant accomplishment in our mission to modernize nuclear security infrastructure.” 

ER allows for the transition of related material processing from a legacy facility at Y-12.