Y-12 to develop nuclear deterrence center in Oak Ridge with University of Tennessee

Consolidated Nuclear Security, the prime contractor at Y-12 National Security Complex, signed an agreement May 30 with University of Tennessee to create a new nuclear deterrence- and security-focused center in Oak Ridge, Tenn.

The partners will develop the National Security Prototype Center to use both Y-12 and University of Tennessee resources to enhance manufacturing, a university press release said.

“The National Security Prototype Center will turn innovative ideas into qualified prototypes that will provide solutions for the nuclear deterrence, national security and nuclear energy sectors,” Richard Tighe, president and CEO of Bechtel-led Consolidated Nuclear Security, said in the release.

Donde Plowman, chancellor of University of Tennessee, said the university is “well positioned to contribute a unique set of research strengths and capabilities to the center, including advanced materials, integrated manufacturing, nuclear energy and security, and AI.”