Chris Balusik reports that the next generation uranium enrichment demonstration facility spent more than a decade testing and developing centrifuge technology but was de-funded at the end of 2015 by the Department of Energy. Following a lengthy period of decontamination and decommissioning that saw the centrifuge machines removed from the building and work on the technology shifted to Oak Ridge, Tennessee, the plant appeared dead. However, an announcement made at the site Monday has resuscitated hopes that the American Centrifuge will become viable again. U.S. Sen. Rob Portman, joined by U.S. Rep. Brad Wenstrup, representatives of Sen. Sherrod Brown and U.S. Rep. Bill Johnson, and representatives from the Department of Energy, said DOE is planning a $115 million investment over the next three years to create a 16-machine centrifuge test cascade that would generate about 60 jobs in the initial assembly and roll out of the cascade. Large open spaces in plant one day be filled with the new centrifuge machines that will enrich the uranium needed for nuclear fuel production (SMRs) and national security interests (fuel for submarines and aircraft carriers).
If the initial roll out is accomplished and successful, those making the announcement said the intent would be to build the capacity to a commercial production level that, over the long term, could potentially equate to thousands of jobs. The new centrifuge machines would be used to demonstrate production of high-assay, low-enriched uranium needed as a fuel source for advanced nuclear reactors (and SMRs) and to help produce fuel for national security purposes, such as powering the nation's nuclear navy. In the latter case, the law requires a domestically owned source of enriched uranium be used, which is why Wenstrup said the project is so important. The announcement did not promise that the effort will be successful, although those who spoke were optimistic.
"Today is another milestone in the effort to get Piketon back up and running doing the work that is so important to our country," Portman said. "While there will be a consideration period before this decision is final, I'm encouraged by today's announcement. Getting Piketon back to its full potential benefits the skilled workforce here, the surrounding local economy and strengthens national energy and defense security." While some of the AC100 machines that were removed from the plant ended up buried in the western desert, Portman said there were enough of the machines and parts remaining that will allow for re-assembly and improvement of a 16-machine test cascade. Prior to the de-funding of the centrifuge systems, a 120-machine cascade was being tested. Randy Devault, an engineer for DOE in Oak Ridge, and Jim Hutson, a senior consultant for DOE, said a key selling point generating interest in the project is the condition in which the building was left when cleared out. The electrical, air and water infrastructure systems are in shape to be quickly re-activated, including enough electrical redundancies to ensure that an outside power outage would not interrupt work or impact security systems.
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