AIKEN, S.C. (January 28, 2026) – Demonstrating their commitment to national security needs, the Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS) Savannah River Tritium Enterprise (SRTE), achieved a significant milestone by completing a record number of 13 tritium extractions within nine months, spanning fiscal years (FY) 2025 and 2026. Tritium, an isotope of hydrogen, is a key element in nuclear weapons.
“This record achievement in tritium extractions demonstrates what the Nuclear Security Enterprise can achieve when we operate with urgency and focus. The successful delivery of tritium is essential to meeting the Department of War’s deterrent requirements and delivering President Trump’s peace through strength agenda,” said National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) Administrator Brandon Williams. “This accomplishment significantly strengthens our national security and reinforces the strategic readiness of our deterrent mission.”
Operated by SRNS for NNSA, SRTE’s facilities provide a unique capability to safely increase production and effectively execute tritium missions. The previous record for extractions was eight extractions in 12 months, spanning FY22 and FY23.
“Our recent performance in extraction is a perfect demonstration of our culture of urgency. This accomplishment is only possible thanks to the hard work and dedication of the SRTE workforce,” said Nick Miller, Senior Vice President of NNSA Tritium Operations and Programs for SRNS.
Prior to the extraction process and ahead of transport to Savannah River Site, the Tennessee Valley Authority irradiates Tritium-Producing Burnable Absorber Rods (TPBARs) in their reactors. SRTE’s Tritium Extraction Facility (TEF) extracts tritium by breaching and heating the rods. Workers then move the gas through SRTE’s two other manufacturing facilities for processing tritium gas and loading and packaging tritium reservoirs acceptable for use in weapons. Once inspected, SRTE ships the tritium reservoirs to the military.
To add to the complexity of this process, personnel had to conduct significant and complex maintenance activities prior to the FY25 extractions. These efforts involved strategic planning, collaboration and adept problem-solving.
“The TEF team displayed remarkable resilience and an unwavering commitment to excellence during the execution of the FY25 extraction campaign,” said TEF Facility Manager Garrett Hall. “The team overcame numerous challenges, including rigorously planned open glovebox maintenance, unexpected repairs on a domestic water line, and the on-site fabrication of essential parts for mission-critical equipment. Achieving success demanded extraordinary effort, meticulous coordination, and seamless teamwork from both TEF and its support groups. Despite the hurdles, the team came together to work efficiently and safely—fulfilling the TEF mission.”
With a half-life of 12.3 years, tritium must continually be replenished to ensure the integrity of the U.S. nuclear stockpile.
Recognizing this critical need, SRNS continues to build on its legacy of operational excellence in delivering nuclear materials to the NNSA and Department of War, in support of our nation’s nuclear deterrent.
Established by Congress in 2000, NNSA is a semi-autonomous agency within the U.S. Department of Energy responsible for enhancing national security through the military application of nuclear science. NNSA maintains and enhances the safety, security, and effectiveness of the U.S. nuclear weapons stockpile; works to reduce the global danger from weapons of mass destruction; provides the U.S. Navy with safe and militarily effective nuclear propulsion; and responds to nuclear and radiological emergencies in the U.S. and abroad.
Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, a Fluor and HII partnership company, is responsible for the management and operations of the Department of Energy’s Savannah River Site, located near Aiken, South Carolina.
SRNS-2026-1710