1990
HEU Program Concept First Discussed
1990-1991Concept to convert highly enriched uranium (HEU) from nuclear warheads into low enriched uranium (LEU) for use in fabricating fuel for nuclear reactors is discussed in the United States and Russia.
1992
HEU Agreement Negotiations
January 1992United States and Russia begin an 18-month negotiation process to develop an agreement on U.S. purchases of Russian HEU.
USEC Created Under 1992 Energy Policy Act
October 1992Energy Policy Act creates the United States Enrichment Corporation (USEC) to take over all uranium enrichment activities of the government. It authorizes USEC to negotiate the purchase of all HEU made available under a government-to-government agreement between the United States and Russia.
1993
U.S. and Russia Sign HEU Agreement
February 1993The United States and the Russian Federation sign a government-to-government agreement concerning the disposition and purchase of 500 metric tons (MT) of HEU extracted from nuclear weapons and converted into LEU.
DOE and Minatom Agree on Transparency Procedures
March 1993The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the Ministry of Atomic Energy of the Russian Federation (MINATOM) sign Protocol working out specific transparency procedures to ensure the LEU provided comes from HEU derived from nuclear weapons. DOE is responsible for monitoring transparency activities.
U.S. and Russia Sign Basic Principles Agreement
May 1993The Department of State for the U.S. government and MINATOM for the Russian Federation sign the Basic Principles of the HEU contract at ceremonies in Vancouver, British Columbia. The Principles list the major terms, including price, to be included in the HEU implementing contract under the government-to-government agreement.
Additional Transparency Measures Agreed To
September 1993The U.S. and Russian governments sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) related to transparency and additional arrangements to ensure that the LEU is derived from HEU from nuclear weapons dismantled in Russia.
1994
Megatons to Megawatts Contract Signed
January 1994USEC and Tenex are appointed executive agents to U.S., Russian governments for managing the 20-year contract to downblend and sell low enriched uranium derived from Russian nuclear warhead material.
Trilateral Agreement Between U.S., Russian and Ukraine
January 1994Leaders of the United States, Russia and Ukraine sign the Trilateral Agreement at the Presidential Summit in Moscow. In the Agreement, Ukraine agrees to dismantle its nuclear weapons and send them to Russia for deactivation of the nuclear warheads. In return, Ukraine would receive commercial nuclear reactor fuel.
USEC and Tenex Sign HEU Contract
January 1994Commercial implementing contract for the Russian HEU purchase program is signed in Moscow by the Executive Agents for the U.S. and Russian governments: USEC and Techsnabexport (TENEX), respectively. The contract establishes commercial terms for orders, quantities, deliveries and payments for converting 500 MT of Russian HEU from dismantled nuclear warheads into LEU to be purchased by USEC over a period of 20 years. This commercial program has come to be known as "Megatons to Megawatts".
USEC Advances Payments to Russia
March - June 1994Under the HEU Contract, USEC advances a $60 million payment ($15 million each month from April through July) to Russia against future shipments of LEU derived from weapons HEU, as part of a commitment made by President Bill Clinton to the leaders of Russia and Ukraine in the Trilateral Agreement.
USEC, TENEX and Minatom Meet on Contract
Mid-1994USEC, MINATOM and TENEX meet frequently to discuss matters in support of smooth, effective contract implementation.
Russia Completes Downblending Test Runs
October 1994Russia completes test runs to convert and dilute HEU to LEU according to technical specifications. USEC provides technical assistance to help Russia meet acceptable purity specifications.
USEC Places First Order for LEU
December 1994USEC places the first order for LEU derived from about 6 MT of HEU for calendar year 1995, the maximum amount Russia is capable of processing for delivery in 1995. USEC provides all shipment hardware, including product cylinders, sample containers and shipping containers.
1995
First Delivery Received at USEC
June 1995For the first time in history, uranium in nuclear warheads from the former Soviet Union is transformed into LEU for use in fabricating fuel for commercial nuclear power plants. The first shipments of LEU derived from Russian HEU arrive at USEC’s Portsmouth, Ohio plant. Shipment #1 arriving on June 23 consists of 16 cylinders holding 24 MT of LEU derived from 0.786 MT of HEU. Shipment #2 consists of 12 cylinders holding 18 MT of LEU derived from 0.59 MT of HEU.
USEC and Minatom Agree to Additional Protocol
June 1995William H. Timbers, President and CEO of USEC, and Viktor N. Mikhailov, Minister of MINATOM, sign Protocol reconfirming that both parties are committed to the successful implementation and sustained execution of the contract.
Key elements of the Protocol are as follows:
- Both parties recommit themselves to the success of the HEU-from-weapons contract and agree to support the full and timely implementation of the contract.
- Russia and the United States agree to take steps to ensure full and simultaneous payment for natural uranium and enrichment enrichment component of the LEU.
- USEC will advance $100 million to Russia to facilitate delivery of fuel to Ukraine, per the United States-Russia-Ukraine Trilateral Agreement.
First Megatons to Megawatts Shipment
June 1995The first shipments of Russian uranium under the Megatons to Megawatts program arrive at the Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant in Piketon, Ohio.
USEC Advances Payment to Russia
July 1995USEC advances $100 million to Russia against calendar year 1996 and 1997 shipments.
First Year of Shipments Completed Successfully
December 1995USEC reports on the successful completion of the first year of the Megatons to Megawatts program. USEC and TENEX also reach agreement regarding USEC's order for material for 1996.
1995 Shipments
1995 ShipmentsUSEC receives material equivalent to about 244 nuclear warheads (186 MT of LEU derived from 6.1 MT of HEU).
Running total: 244 warheads eliminated
1996
Clinton Signs USEC Privatization Act
April 1996President Clinton signs into law the USEC Privatization Act which, among other things, provides for the delivery of natural uranium to the Russian executive agent (i.e., TENEX) equivalent to the natural uranium component of the LEU received by USEC. The Act facilitates Russia's disposition of the natural uranium beginning in January 1997.
USEC and Tenex Amend Contract
September 1996USEC and TENEX sign contract amendment in London implementing provisions of the USEC Privatization Act, including provisions to: (i) free USEC (from 1997) of responsibility for paying for the natural uranium component of the LEU delivered to USEC related to the shipments, and (ii) obligate USEC to deliver an equivalent quantity of natural uranium to TENEX in the United States on the same day it receives LEU in Russia.
USEC and TENEX Sign Contract Amendment in Moscow
November 1996USEC and TENEX sign contract amendment in Moscow that implements agreement for five years on quantities and prices.
The agreement provides for USEC to purchase the enrichment component of LEU derived from 18 MT of HEU in 1997, 24 MT in 1998, 30 MT in 1999, 30 MT in 2000 and 30 MT in 2001.
This stable process speeds up the purchases over these years from previous goals by approximately 50 percent and accounts for nearly one-third of the 500 MT covered by the original agreement, including 1995 and 1996 shipments.
USEC Transfers Uranium to DOE and Advances Payment to Russia
December 1996USEC announces the transfer to the U.S. Department of Energy, at no cost, of the equivalent of about 14 million pounds of U3O8, representing the natural uranium purchased in 1995 and 1996 from the Russian government under the Megatons to Megawatts contract. USEC paid $160 million for this product.
USEC advances $100 million to Russia against future deliveries (calendar years 1998-99) subsequent to the U.S.-Russian agreement on enhanced transparency.
The United States and Russia complete enhanced transparency agreement.
1996 Shipments
1996 ShipmentsUSEC receives material equivalent to about 479 nuclear warheads (370.9 MT of LEU derived from 12 MT of HEU).
Running total: 723 warheads eliminated
1997
Russia Announces Delivery Delays Pending Uranium Sales Resolution
April 1997February and March 1997 shipments arrive at USEC's Portsmouth, Ohio facility. Russia (i.e., TENEX) informs USEC that the deliveries scheduled for April, May and June will be delayed pending resolution by Russia of arrangements with third parties to sell the natural uranium received by Russia for the natural uranium component of LEU derived from HEU. Processing of LEU from weapons HEU will continue in Russia and then be combined with deliveries that the Russians anticipate making from July through November.
Russia Agrees to Resume Deliveries
June 1997Though a final Russian sales agreement with third parties is still pending for the natural uranium received by Russia for the natural uranium component in LEU derived from HEU, Russia (i.e., TENEX) informs USEC that April, May and June deliveries will be shipped starting in mid-July.
Russia Resumes Shipments
July 1997Russia resumes shipments to USEC.
Russia Reaches Initial Agreement on Uranium Component
August 1997Russia reaches agreement in principle with Cameco, Cogema and Nukem for their purchase of part of the natural uranium received by Russia for the natural uranium component of all Megatons to Megawatts LEU delivered to USEC in Russia for the next 10 years. But the agreement is not signed. Late in 1997, the Russians announce plans for alternative arrangements, but these do not materialize. Discussions with the three Western companies resume in 1998.
1997 Shipments
1997 ShipmentsUSEC receives material equivalent to about 534 nuclear warheads (358.5 MT of LEU derived from 13.4 MT of HEU).
Running total: 1,257 warheads eliminated
1998
DOE Granted Emergency Appropriations to Purchase Uranium Component
October 1998U.S. legislation passed on October 31, 1998, allows the DOE Secretary to request an emergency appropriation of up to $325 million to buy the natural uranium delivered to TENEX for the natural uranium component of Russia's 1997 and 1998 LEU deliveries (28 million lbs. U308 equivalent) once the Russian government has entered into an agreement with "commercial partners" (i.e., Cameco, Cogema, and Nukem) to buy post-1998 deliveries.
Russia Suspends Shipments
December 1998Russia had unilaterally slowed shipments to USEC during 1998 and now suspends them. The Russians continue to negotiate a uranium purchase arrangement with Cameco, Cogema and Nukem.
1998 Shipments
1998 ShipmentsCalendar year 1998 shipments total about 764 nuclear warheads (571.5 MT of LEU derived from 19.1 MT of HEU). Part of 1998 order is delayed by Russia pending agreements with the U.S. government and three Western companies on the disposition of the natural uranium received from USEC for the natural uranium component of the LEU.
Running total: 2,021 warheads eliminated
1999
U.S. and Russia Reach Agreement on Uranium Component
March 1999The United States and Russia sign a government-to-government agreement that:
- facilitates sale by Russia of certain quantities of natural uranium delivered to Russia in connection with HEU-to-LEU shipments; and
- stipulates that DOE will purchase from Russia, for $325 million, the natural uranium delivered to TENEX for the natural uranium component of Russia's 1997 and 1998 LEU deliveries to USEC.
DOE agrees to keep that uranium off the market for ten years.
Concurrently, Russia signs a long-term contract, with market-based pricing, to sell a portion of the natural uranium to three companies: Cogema, Cameco and Nukem.
Shipments of LEU to USEC resume.
1998 Shipments Completed
July 1999Shipment of CY 1998 order to USEC is completed.
Shipments begin of CY 1999 order.
1999 Shipments
1999 ShipmentsIn July 1999, TENEX completes its calendar year 1998 scheduled deliveries of blended-down HEU.
Shipments also begin of USEC's calendar year 1999 order. 1999 deliveries equal about 970 warheads (718.7 MT of LEU derived from 24.3 MT of HEU).
Running total: 2,991 warheads eliminated
2000
1999 Order Completed
February 2000TENEX completes delivery of USEC's 1999 order.
2000 Shipments Begin
April 2000TENEX begins delivery of CY 2000 order.
USEC and TENEX Agree to Market-Based Pricing
May 2000USEC and TENEX reach an agreement in principle to amend the HEU contract and adopt market-based payment terms starting in calendar year 2002. U.S. and Russian government approval is needed to execute the amendment.
4,000 Warheads Eliminated
October 2000USEC announces milestone of 4,000 warheads eliminated through the Megatons to Megawatts program.
2000 Shipments
2000 ShipmentsIn February 2000, TENEX completes delivery of USEC’s calendar year 1999 order and shipments begin of calendar year 2000 order, which it completes in December.
2000 deliveries equal about 1,462 nuclear warheads (1037.8 MT of LEU derived from 36.6 MT of HEU).
Running total: 4,453 warheads eliminated
2001
5,000 Warheads Eliminated
September 2001USEC and TENEX achieve milestone of 5,000 warheads eliminated through the Megatons to Megawatts program.
USEC and TENEX Resume Contract Negotiations
November 2001After reviewing the May 2000 agreement in principle, the U.S. government authorizes USEC to continue negotiations on modified contract terms with the Russian executive agent, TENEX, for calendar year 2002 and beyond.
2001 Shipments
2001 ShipmentsUSEC receives material equivalent to about 1,201 nuclear warheads (904.3 MT of LEU derived from 30 MT of HEU).
Running total: 5,654 warheads eliminated
2002
USEC and TENEX Agree to Modified Contract Terms
February 2002Modified contract terms are agreed to in Moscow by USEC and TENEX. A signed contract amendment is referred to the U.S. and Russian governments for approval.
U.S. and Russian Governments Approve Contract Amendment
June 2002The U.S. and Russian governments approve implementation of the contract amendment for the remaining 12 years of the program. The new, market-based pricing terms will go into effect in January 2003.
6,000 Warheads Eliminated
September 2002USEC and TENEX achieve milestone of 6,000 warheads eliminated through the Megatons to Megawatts program.
Megatons to Megawatts Honored with International Peace Award
October 2002USEC TENEX and the electric utilities that use fuel fabricated from the LEU from the Megatons to Megawatts program are honored at the Demiurgus Peace International Award Ceremony in Zug, Switzerland.
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.
2002 Shipments
2002 ShipmentsUSEC receives material equivalent to about 1,201 nuclear warheads (879 MT of LEU derived from 30 MT of HEU).
Running total: 6,855 warheads eliminated
2003
10th Anniversary of HEU Agreement
February 2003MINATOM announces 10th anniversary of HEU-LEU Agreement on which the Megatons to Megawatts program is based.
7,000 Warheads Eliminated
April 2003USEC announces another Megatons to Megawatts program milestone: bomb material equivalent to 7,000 warheads has been eliminated.
2003 Shipments
2003 ShipmentsUSEC receives material equivalent to about 1,203 nuclear warheads (906 MT of LEU derived from 30.1 MT of HEU).
Running total: 8,058 warheads eliminated
2004
10th Anniversary of Megatons to Megawatts Program
January 2004USEC and TENEX mark the 10th anniversary of commercial implementation of the Megatons to Megawatts program and announce the elimination of bomb material equivalent to 8,000 warheads. The companies also issue a Joint Statement.
9,000 Warheads Eliminated
October 2004USEC announces that weapons-grade material equivalent to 9,000 warheads has been eliminated.
2004 Shipments
2004 ShipmentsUSEC receives material equivalent to about 1,202 nuclear warheads (891 MT of LEU derived from 30.1 MT of HEU).
Running total: 9,260 warheads eliminated
2005
10,000 Warheads Eliminated
September 2005USEC announces that weapons-grade material equivalent to 10,000 warheads has been eliminated.
2005 Shipments
2005 ShipmentsUSEC receives material equivalent to about 1,206 nuclear warheads (846 MT of LEU derived from 30.1 MT of HEU).
Running total: 10,466 warheads eliminated
2006
11,000 Warheads Eliminated
June 2006USEC announces that weapons-grade material equivalent to 11,000 warheads has been eliminated.
2006 Shipments
2006 ShipmentsUSEC receives material equivalent to about 1,207 nuclear warheads (870 MT of LEU derived from 30.2 MT of HEU).
Running total: 11,673 warheads eliminated
2007
12,000 Warheads Eliminated
April 2007USEC announces that weapons-grade material equivalent to 12,000 warheads has been eliminated.
2007 Shipments
2007 ShipmentsUSEC receives material equivalent to about 1,212 nuclear warheads (840 MT of LEU derived from 30.3 MT of HEU).
Running total: 12,885 warheads eliminated
2008
13,000 Warheads Eliminated
March 2008USEC announces that weapons-grade material equivalent to 13,000 warheads has been eliminated.
14,000 Warheads Eliminated
December 2008Weapons-grade material equivalent to 14,000 warheads has been eliminated.
2008 Shipments
2008 ShipmentsUSEC receives material equivalent to about 1,204 nuclear warheads (834 MT of LEU derived from 30.1 MT of HEU).
Running total: 14,090 warheads eliminated
2009
Megatons to Megawatts Contract Amendment Approved by U.S. and Russian Governments
July 2009The U.S. and Russian governments approved an amendment to USEC’s contract with TENEX for the Megatons to Megawatts program. The amendment implements a new pricing methodology for deliveries of low enriched uranium from TENEX starting in 2010 and continuing through the end of the contract in 2013.
The new pricing methodology is intended to enhance the stability of future pricing for both parties through a formula that combines a different mix of price points and other pricing elements from the previous methodology.
15,000 Warheads Eliminated
September 2009USEC announces that weapons-grade material equivalent to 15,000 warheads has been eliminated.
2009 Shipments
2009 ShipmentsUSEC receives material equivalent to about 1,204 nuclear warheads (834 MT of LEU derived from 30.1 MT of HEU).
Running total: 15,294 warheads eliminated
2010
16,000 Warheads Eliminated
September 2010USEC announces that material for 16,000 nuclear warheads eliminated by Megatons to Megawatts program.
2010 Shipments
2010 ShipmentsUSEC receives material equivalent to about 1,200 nuclear warheads (857.9 MT of LEU derived from 30 MT of HEU).
Running total: 16,494 warheads eliminated