First Shipment of Nuclear Fuel Made From Surplus U.S. HEU Arrives at Alabama Nuclear Power Plant

The first shipment of nuclear fuel produced from surplus U.S. weapon-grade nuclear material arrived late last month for use at a nuclear power plant in Alabama, the Associated Press reported yesterday (see GSN, Nov. 22, 2004).

The program calls for blending down a total of 39 metric tons of highly enriched uranium over four years to a lower enrichment level for use as fuel at the power plant, which is operated by the Tennessee Valley Authority. The U.S. Energy Department plans to spend about $500 million on the effort.

Originally, 33 metric tons were to be converted to nuclear fuel. Six additional tons were added last year, AP reported. As much as 55 metric tons of material could be disposed through the program, National Nuclear Security Administration spokesman Steven Wyatt said (Duncan Mansfield, Associated Press, Feb. 23).

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