Scott A. Roecker
Vice President, Nuclear Materials Security
HEU Minimization
Minimizing the use of HEU in civil applications
Challenge
22 countries possess the world’s most dangerous materials across dozens of facilities, some of which are poorly secured.
Action
Minimize–and ultimately eliminate–the use of highly enriched uranium (HEU) in civilian and naval applications.
Results
Publication of two groundbreaking reports on HEU minimization and establishment of regional HEU-free zones.
Highly enriched uranium (HEU), a core component of a nuclear weapon, has also been used for decades to power research reactors, produce medical isotopes, and fuel naval submarines. Today, technical developments have made it possible to replace HEU with low enriched uranium (LEU) in nearly all cases and have rendered new civil applications of HEU obsolete.
NTI supports the phased elimination of civil applications of HEU and is working to build international consensus on the importance of reducing dependence on HEU for peaceful activities. In particular, NTI has supported and expanded programs in the United States to convert research reactors using HEU to LEU and remove HEU from as many sites and countries as possible.
2016
NTI Co-Chairman Sam Nunn Statement on the Successful Removal of All Highly Enriched Uranium from Poland
Over a ten-year period, more than 700 kilograms of highly enriched uranium was removed from Poland, making it the 31st country to completely remove their HEU.
Comprehensive Update of HEU Resources Now Available
The Civilian HEU Reduction and Elimination Resource Collection has been updated by CNS in the wake of the April 2016 Nuclear Security Summit (NSS).
Replacing Highly Enriched Uranium in Naval Reactors
2015
Sam Nunn, Richard Lugar and Des Browne Release Recommendations on Securing Military Nuclear Materials
Report draws from input of study group of former military and political officials from nuclear-armed states.
Action for the 2016 Nuclear Security Summit: Regional HEU-Free Zones
A new paper published by NTI, the Center for Nonproliferation Studies and the Fissile Materials Working Group calls for the establishment of regional zones free of highly enriched uranium (HEU) in advance of the 2016 Nuclear Security Summit.
Roadmap to Minimize and Eliminate HEU
A new paper published by NTI, the Center for Nonproliferation Studies and the Fissile Materials Working Group offers timely recommendations for action that countries can pursue ahead of the 2016 Nuclear Security Summit.
2014
From HEU to LEU: A Market-Based Approach for Russia
A new paper develops a market-based roadmap for Russia to transition from HEU to LEU in the production of Molybdenum-99, an area ripe for a Russian commitment at the 2014 Nuclear Security Summit.
2012
Medical Isotopes: Balancing Supply and Security
A new CNS issue brief by Anya Loukianova discusses U.S. and international efforts to balance the trade-offs between ensuring medical isotope supply and reducing HEU in medical isotope production.
Changing the Conversation on HEU
NTI's Corey Hinderstein and Andrew Newman call for a change in the conversation on highly enriched uranium (HEU) from minimization to elimination.
NTI Co-Hosts 2nd International Symposium on HEU Minimization
The proceedings revealed a robust and growing consensus on the principle, underscoring the responsiblity of all stakeholders to make commitments their irreversible.
Past Event
2nd International Symposium on HEU Minimization
Vienna, Austria
2010
Options for Expanding Conversion of Russian Highly Enriched Uranium
This technical report explores the cost and schedules associated with potential approaches to accelerate and expand the blend-down of Russian HEU.
Statement by Sam Nunn on Ukraine’s Announcement
NTI Co-Chairman Sam Nunn welcomes the news that Ukraine will eliminate its highly enriched uranium.
2009
NTI Co-Chairman Sam Nunn Commends Successful Removal of Dangerous Nuclear Material from Kazakhstan
Former Senator Sam Nunn applauded the latest successful operation to remove and secure highly enriched uranium by the U.S. government.
2008
Securing the Bomb 2008
Global Nuclear Terrorism Risk Still High, Despite Progress; New Administration Must Take Immediate Steps to Reduce Dangers
Statement by NTI Co-Chairman Sam Nunn on Department of Energy’s HEU Blenddown Announcement
NTI Co-Chairman Sam Nunn commends the Department of Energy's HEU blenddown announcement.
2006
Statement by NTI Co-Chairman Sam Nunn on the Transfer of HEU Fuel from Uzbekistan to Russia
Sam Nunn Applauds Recent Transfer of HEU Fuel from Uzbekistan
2005
Kazakhstan and NTI Mark Success of HEU Blend-Down Project; Material Could Have Been To Make Up To Two Dozen Nuclear Bombs
It was announced today the success of a joint NTI-Kazatomprom project to eliminate nuclear fuel containing 2,900 kilograms of highly enriched uranium (HEU).
2004
Statement from Sam Nunn, regarding HEU Recovery in Uzbekistan
Nunn applauds Secretary of Energy Spencer Abraham and his team for taking steps to remove vulnerable nuclear material from Uzbekistan and prevent nuclear terrorism.
2002
NTI Commits $5 Million To Help Secure Nuclear Material
NTI Commits $5 Million To Help Secure Vulnerable Nuclear Weapons Material