As we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Savannah River Site, Savannah River National Laboratory is proud to join our SRS partners and the Central Savannah River Area in recognizing the site’s significant contributions to the security and well-being of our nation. For more than seven decades, SRNL has been integral to the site’s mission, advancing technologies that have shaped national defense, energy security and environmental stewardship. SRNL’s involvement with SRS dates back to when the site was known as the Savannah River Plant, managed by E.
I. du Pont de Nemours and Company. It was then that the Atomic Energy Commission, under President Harry Truman, recognized the need for a specialized laboratory to support SRP’s complex missions.
This vision led to the creation of the Savannah River Laboratory, which would later evolve into SRNL, a nationally recognized leader in scientific research and development. Through its long history, SRNL has forged invaluable partnerships with the Department of Energy, site contractors and local communities. These collaborations have enabled the laboratory to leverage its unique scientific and technical expertise to meet the critical needs of the site.
From the beginning, SRNL focused its research on key areas such as tritium gas handling, nuclear material processing, tank waste management, environmental remediation and nuclear security. These efforts not only helped to address the complex challenges of the Cold War but also shaped SRNL into a world-class institution in nuclear nonproliferation, cybersecurity and national defense. The work SRNL has done at SRS has had far-reaching impacts.
We’ve played an essential role in cleaning up the radioactive and chemical waste left from Cold War-era activities, ensuring the safety and security of our nation’s nuclear stockpile and advancing technologies for more resilient and secure energy systems. These achievements reflect the laboratory’s ongoing commitment to the nation’s most pressing security and environmental needs. As SRNL has evolved into a fully independent national laboratory, managed by Battelle Savannah River Alliance LLC, it has expanded its mission beyond the borders of SRS.
Today, SRNL supports not only SRS but also national and global missions with wide-reaching impact. Our work has catalyzed economic growth and technological advancements in the CSRA, driving investment and fostering regional economic development. Looking to the future, SRNL continues to build on its legacy of innovation.
The upcoming opening of the SRNL Advanced Manufacturing Collaborative at USC Aiken in summer 2025, our presence in the Georgia Cyber Center, and our planned administrative offices in downtown Aiken will extend our capabilities and impact, further strengthening SRNL’s role as a key player in science, technology and economic development. As we celebrate the 75th Anniversary of SRS, we also reflect on the many accomplishments and innovations that have emerged from our work. The future is bright, and SRNL is well-positioned to continue leading our nation’s critical missions in national security, energy resilience and environmental stewardship.
Happy 75th Anniversary, SRS! Cheers to the next chapter of innovation and impact..
Technology
Guest column: SRNL has expanded its mission over the last 75 years

As we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Savannah River Site, Savannah River National Laboratory is proud to join our SRS partners and the Central Savannah River Area in recognizing the site’s significant contributions to the security and well-being of...