Italy begins re-encapsulating historic US nuclear fuel in Basilicata

Societa Gestione Impianti Nucleari SpA (Sogin) has started re-encapsulating 64 uranium-thorium fuel elements at its Itrec facility in Rotondella, Basilicata. The process marks a key step in the 'dry storage' programme for this type of fuel. The elements originally came from the Elk River experimental reactor in Minnesota, USA. The re-encapsulation involves transferring each fuel element into new capsules before placing them in special casks. All operations will take place underwater in the plant’s fuel storage pool to provide radiation shielding. This method ensures both safety and the ability to visually inspect every stage of the process.

Liquid radioactive waste at the site is currently stored safely in a steel tank inside a reinforced concrete structure. The new ICPF facility, designed for cementing about 3 cubic metres of liquid uranium-thorium solution, will further support these efforts. Sogin has also awarded a €43 million contract to a consortium for building the Finished Product Cementation Plant at Itrec.

The entire re-encapsulation project is expected to finish by mid-2027. The operations follow strict engineering procedures to guarantee safety throughout. Once complete, the re-encapsulated fuel will be securely stored in dry conditions. The project contributes to the long-term management of nuclear materials at the facility.