SRS recycles retired transformers to cut waste and costs
The Savannah River Site (SRS), a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) facility in South Carolina, is advancing its recycling initiatives with a focus on aging electrical infrastructure.
Image for illustration purposes.
USA, Savannah: The Savannah River Site (SRS), a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) facility in South Carolina, is advancing its recycling initiatives with a focus on aging electrical infrastructure. SRS has recently recycled five switchgear transformers.
Operated by Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS), SRS reported that each of the five 115-kilovolt transformers weighed around 100,000 pounds and had served the site for nearly 70 years. After reaching the end of their operational life, the transformers were donated to the Savannah River Site Community Reuse Organization (SRSCRO), which repurposes government surplus equipment to support local economic development.
“The recycling of these components mitigates safety and congestion issues in active construction zones and also aligns with the Department of Energy’s push for effective resource utilization. Given the transformers’ large size and valuable components, they were perfect resources to allocate to SRSCRO,” said Andrew Ellsworth, with the SRNS Utilities and Operating Services division.
This effort is part of a broader strategy that saw SRS recycle more than 26 million pounds of material during the previous fiscal year, including 5.3 million pounds of scrap metal. The initiative contributes not only to environmental sustainability but also to significant cost savings by avoiding landfill disposal and handling fees.
Looking ahead, SRS plans to expand its recycling program by decommissioning outdated steam and power-line systems installed decades ago. These actions are intended to reduce operational hazards and the site’s overall environmental footprint.
Source: Recycling Today
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