AIKEN, S.C. – The Savannah River Plutonium Processing Facility (SRPPF) project at the Savannah River Site (SRS) has reached approval to proceed with full-scale construction following the National Nuclear Security Administration’s (NNSA) approval of Critical Decision (CD)-2/3 for the Savannah River Plutonium Processing Facility (SRPPF) project on October 15, 2026. The decision authorizes the start of full-scale construction of SRPPF in support of NNSA’s plutonium pit production mission.
As part of the Department of Energy’s process for the acquisition of capital assets, CD-2/3 approval marks formal completion of the design phase for the SRPPF Main Process Building, authorizes construction, and establishes a performance baseline for the project. CD-2/3 approval is a landmark step in advancing the SRPPF project.
“The approval to proceed with full construction of SRPPF is a monumental achievement – one that will have a tremendous impact on SRS and the region for years to come,” said Jeff Griffin, President and Chief Executive Officer of Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS), the management and operations contractor for the site. “The construction of SRPPF and its role in modernizing America’s strategic deterrent is a top priority for our government. We recognize the urgency, and we are working together with our NNSA and subcontract partners to meet our commitments and deliver this project for the nation.”
Following CD-2/3 approval, mobilization for construction activities will now significantly increase at SRS with more than 3,000 new workers anticipated at peak construction.
When complete and operational, SRPPF is expected to employ a workforce of over 2,000 personnel. Pit production workforce pipeline and development initiatives are already in progress at SRS, including construction of the High-Fidelity Training and Operations Center (HFTOC). The HFTOC is forecast for completion in 2028 and will allow for pit production workforce development to advance while SRPPF is under construction.
B-Roll Video: SRPPF Construction B-Roll
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-2026-1786