Oak Ridge National Laboratory's ESED Expands Stable Isotope Production and Enrichment Technologies
In 2020, Brian Anderson became director of the Enrichment Science and Engineering Division (ESED) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), focusing on advancing enrichment technologies and stable isotope production. Since its inception, ESED has grown from 95 to over 250 staff members, with further expansion planned for 2026.
The division plays a crucial role in East Tennessee's nuclear development and the U.S. stable isotope supply chain. It has completed the Department of Energy's Stable Isotope Production Facility and is constructing the Stable Isotope Production and Research Center.
ESED also oversees the Domestic Uranium Enrichment Centrifuge Experiment (DUECE), which aims to restore the U.S. enriched uranium production for defense. The DUECE project is collaborating with BWX Technologies to establish a pilot plant in East Tennessee. ESED is committed to innovative research, developing new production methods, and enhancing the nation's capability in stable isotopes and enrichment technologies.
