Jan 4, 2000 - The Department of Energy has announced its decision to dispose of up to 50 metric tons of surplus plutonium from the United States in a hybrid approach and to construct and operate three new facilities at its Savannah River Site (SRS).

The hybrid approach allows for the immobilization of approximately 17 metric tons of surplus plutonium and the use of up to 33 metric tons as mixed oxide (MOX) fuel. The new plutonium disposition facilities will provide pit disassembly, plutonium conversion, immobilization, and MOX fuel fabrication services.

The MOX fuel fabrication facility will produce MOX fuel for irradiation in existing domestic commercial reactors. These reactors are the Catawba Nuclear Station near York, S.C.; the McGuire Station near Huntersville, N.C.; and the North Anna Power Station near Mineral, Va..

For more information:

Jan 11, 2000 Federal Register listing