NNSA green-lights Calciner Project decommissioning work at Y-12

[Marlin]

NNSA green-lights Calciner Project decommissioning work at Y-12

https://www.ans.org/news/2026-07-22/article-8236/nnsa-greenlights-calciner-project-decommissioning-work-at-y12/

[Core Content]

The National Nuclear Security Administration authorized Consolidated Nuclear Security to begin decommissioning the Calciner Project at the Y-12 National Security Complex. This system converts uranium-bearing materials into stable solids to facilitate the closure of the aging Building 9212. The project supports the transition of uranium processing operations to the new Uranium Processing Facility currently under construction.

The National Nuclear Security Administration has granted authorization to Consolidated Nuclear Security (CNS) to begin the decontamination and decommissioning work with the Calciner Project (CALP) at the Y-12 National Security Complex, in Oak Ridge, Tenn.

The project involves the conversion of uranium-bearing materials from pipes and other vessels into a stable, solid form for storage. The newly approved calciner system replaces a uranium processing system that was less efficient and more potentially hazardous. The new system will initially be used to decontaminate and shut down a World War II–era production building, known as Building 9212, at the Y-12 site.

Read the full article at ans.org:
https://www.ans.org/news/2026-07-22/article-8236/nnsa-greenlights-calciner-project-decommissioning-work-at-y12/