Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS) continues to lead next
generation innovation and research, reinforcing its role in national defense and advancing solutions  aligned with the missions of the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) and the Department of  Energy (DOE).  

Expanding the PDRD Program.

On September 1, 2025, SRNS solidified its  commitment to scientific progress by  establishing the Office of Innovation, a  dedicated hub for driving targeted research and technology at the Savannah River Site 
(SRS). 

“This effort is designed to accelerate  breakthroughs that cut project timelines,  lower costs, modernize outdated practices,  address technological obsolescence, and  bolster programs essential to national  security,” said Greg Cefus, Director, SRNS  Office of Innovation.  The Office of Innovation is tasked with  crafting a strategic research plan that aligns  discretionary investments with NNSA  priorities. By fostering cooperation across the  Nuclear Security Enterprise’s Labs, Plants,  and Sites, as well as academia and private 
industries, the office delivers solutions that  enhance technological capabilities at SRS. 

A centerpiece of SRNS research efforts is the Plant-Directed Research, Development, and Demonstration  (PDRD) Program. Originally established in 2001 under the Defense Authorization Act to advance  Savannah River Tritium Enterprise (SRTE) missions, the PDRD Program underwent significant 
realignment in 2025 under the Office of Innovation. This transition broadens its scope to encompass Pit  Production Operations and Programs and Plutonium Disposition Operations and Programs.

Aligning with NNSA’s Office of Engineering and Technology Maturation objectives, the PDRD Program prioritizes replacing aging technologies, spurring manufacturing innovation and investing in workforce  development. 

“By adopting a sitewide approach to R&D, the PDRD Program minimizes duplicative efforts, integrates  cross-cutting technologies, and redirects resources to our most critical mission area research needs,” said 
Jared Clark, PDRD Program Manager. “We must demonstrate our commitment to innovation and strengthen  the Site’s role as a vital contributor to national security. PDRD is an investment in our people, processes  and the future of SRS and builds on our 75-year legacy of excellence through modernization efforts.” 

Partnerships with Leading Universities

SRNS’ research momentum is strengthened by strategic partnerships with top-tier academic institutions,  including Clemson University, University of South Carolina (USC) and Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech). 

• Clemson University is investigating the effects of carbon-based species on the lifespan of getter materials used in tritium separations. Their research seeks to mitigate flow restrictions and optimize getter bed performance, improving efficiency and lifespan across critical systems.• USC is tackling the challenge of upgrading hydrogen and tritium measurement techniques. By
designing advanced, tritium-compatible instrumentation, the team aims to replace cumbersome traditional methods with precise, real-time monitoring capabilities, offering improved flexibility and efficiency within SRTE.

• Georgia Tech will soon develop thermodynamic models utilizing novel temperature sensors to non intrusively monitor vessel temperatures and infer tritium content, which will provide critical tools for process safety and operational oversight. 

The Office of Innovation also leads key initiatives, including the Technology Management Council and  SRNS Technology Transfer Programs, to oversee and coordinate sitewide technology needs and ensure innovation is integrated into SRS operations.