Uranium Processing Facility Energizes Final Building, Enters Last Phase of Construction

Y-12 National Security Complex modernization project moves site closer to more efficient operations

OAK RIDGE, Tenn. – The Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration (DOE/NNSA) has achieved a key milestone in energizing the Uranium Processing Facility (UPF) at the Y-12 National Security Complex in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, signifying the project’s transition to the final phase of construction. Once complete, the modern UPF will replace WWII-era facilities and serve as the center for uranium operations required for the U.S. nuclear stockpile, nuclear nonproliferation, and naval nuclear propulsion. 

The project recently powered the Salvage and Accountability Building, the final structure in the multi-facility complex to be connected to the Y-12 power grid. Energization is an essential process that delivers permanent plant power and allows for final testing of installed equipment.

“This milestone marks a significant step forward for Y-12, the 2,500 men and women supporting the UPF project, and the nation’s nuclear security,” said Audrey Beldio, NNSA Principal Assistant Deputy Administrator for Production Modernization and Materials Management . “The modernization of uranium operations at Y-12 is absolutely critical to the United States’ nuclear weapons program, the nuclear nonproliferation mission, and the Navy’s nuclear fleet.”

With all UPF buildings now energized, the team will turn to comprehensive systems testing and commissioning across the project.

Bechtel is delivering the project for NNSA under the direction of Consolidated Nuclear Security, LLC (CNS). 

“With the energization of the final Uranium Processing Facility building, Y-12 is one step closer to modernizing key processes,” said CNS President and CEO Rich Tighe. “Safer and more efficient production operations is a long-term goal of the Y-12 team. CNS is actively preparing the site for the UPF start-up and commissioning to ensure a smooth transition between the current 80-year-old facilities and the new uranium processing capabilities.” 

UPF will enable the long-term viability, safety, and security of enriched uranium capabilities in the United States, improving operator safety and lowering operating and maintenance costs. As a truly national endeavor, over 480 suppliers in 42 states have contributed to the UPF mission. 

“With the energization of the Salvage and Accountability Building, we continue to aggressively drive project performance to ensure the completion of the Uranium Processing Facility in support of our national security mission,” said Michael S. Pearson, Federal Project Director for UPF. “I am extremely proud of the significant work accomplished in support of this energization milestone.” 

Four of seven UPF subprojects are complete: Site Readiness, Site Infrastructure and Services, the Substation, and the Mechanical Electrical Building. The subprojects under construction are:

• Main Process Building
• Salvage and Accountability Building 
• Process Support Facilities

The completion of the Process Support Facilities is expected this year.