United States Removes Highly Enriched Uranium from Venezuela

The United States, working with Venezuela and the United Kingdom, successfully removed excess highly enriched uranium from Venezuela’s RV-1 research reactor. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) provided technical support for the project.

The RV-1 reactor, Venezuela’s first and only nuclear reactor, was originally built for scientific research. It was later used for gamma-ray sterilization of medical supplies, food, and other materials.

The U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Arms Control and Nonproliferation, along with the Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), led the effort. Officials said the mission achieved a key nuclear security goal in months, which it said was more than two years faster than expected.

In late April, Venezuela prepared the HEU from the RV-1 reactor for transport. The United Kingdom transported the material. It arrived at the Savannah River Site in Aiken, South Carolina, in early May.

The United States provided the reactor to Venezuela as part of the Atoms for Peace program. The NNSA has removed or confirmed the disposition of more than 7,340 kilograms of weapons-usable nuclear material worldwide.

The IAEA provided technical expertise and served as observers during the removal process. The State Department said the mission supports the IAEA’s work with the United States and other member states dedicated to reducing global nuclear risks.