NNSA Release: Reuse, recast, reduce: Y-12’s Zero Power Physics Reactor Depleted Uranium Recovery Project yields results

Earlier this year, the National Nuclear Security Administration’s (NNSA) Office of Nuclear Material Integration (ONMI), in cooperation with the Y-12 National Security Complex (Y-12), completed the Zero Power Physics Reactor (ZPPR) Depleted Uranium (DU) Recovery Project. The effort successfully recovered 28 metric tons of high-purity DU blocks previously used in the ZPPR; a research reactor located at the Idaho National Laboratory. It also resulted in the recycling of 62,000 pounds of nuclear materials and over 50 percent cost savings for the overall Department of Energy complex. Moreover, it demonstrated the benefit of effective collaboration between public and private sectors.

“The processes, lessons learned, and results of this project can be applied to similar opportunities throughout the Nuclear Security Enterprise,” said Richard Meehan, Director of ONMI. “The resources conserved through this effort will be used to support other mission-critical activities.”

Read the full press release on the NNSA website.