The Megatons to Megawatts program implements a U.S.-Russian government agreement to convert 500 metric tons of Russian weapons-grade uranium--equivalent to 20,000 nuclear warheads--into clean-burning fuel for electric power plants. USEC and its Russian partner, TENEX, carry-out this 20-year, $8 billion program on commercial terms, at no cost to taxpayers.
Since 1994, the Megatons to Megawatts program has eliminated more than 150 metric tons of bomb-grade uranium--the equivalent of 6,000 nuclear warheads--and produced enough fuel to power a city the size of Boston for about 230 years.
USEC, TENEX and the electric utilities who use the Megatons to Megawatts fuel were among those honored during the Demiurgus Peace International Award Ceremony held in Zug, Switzerland on October 12. The event recognizes individuals and organizations for their outstanding achievements in strengthening peace among nations. The event is organized and sponsored by the World Council of Former Foreign Ministers and the Nuclear Disarmament Forum.
In recognition of their important contribution to the program, the U.S. electric utilities using the Megatons to Megawatts fuel were presented with an Isaiah Swords Into Plowshares Award by USEC. Nuclear Energy Institute President and Chief Executive Officer Joe Colvin accepted the award on behalf of these utilities.
USEC Inc. (NYSE:USU), a global energy company, is the world's leading supplier of enriched uranium fuel for commercial nuclear power plants.
CONTACT:
USEC Inc.
Elizabeth Stuckle, 301/564-3399
or
Charles Yulish, 301/564-3391