Italy begins re-encapsulating historic US nuclear fuel in Basilicata

Societa Gestione Impianti Nucleari SpA has started re-encapsulating 64 uranium-thorium fuel elements at its Itrec facility in Rotondella, Basilicata. The fuel originally came from the Elk River experimental reactor in Minnesota, USA. The process involves careful handling and storage of the materials. The re-encapsulation work includes transferring the fuel elements into new capsules. These will then be loaded dry into special casks for storage. The remaining 64 elements are being prepared for placement in two casks at the Rotondella site.

Earlier, 20 of these elements underwent testing. This produced three types of radioactive liquid waste, including a nitric-based solution. The ICPF facility will now cement about 3 cubic metres of this liquid uranium-thorium solution, known as the 'final product'.

Sogin has also awarded a EUR43 million contract to a consortium. The deal covers the construction of the Finished Product Cementation Plant at the Itrec facility. All operations are expected to finish by mid-2027. The project marks a significant step in managing legacy nuclear materials. The cementation of liquid waste and secure storage of fuel elements will reduce environmental risks. Completion is scheduled for mid-2027, with the new plant supporting future waste treatment efforts.