Kentucky’s footprint in the nuclear energy industry dates back to the 1960’s with the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant, which at one point was the only operating uranium enrichment facility in the United States.
However, operations ceased in 2013 and the site has since been undergoing a large-scale cleanup involving decontaminating and decommissioning.
Now, a new era of advanced uranium enrichment could set the stage for the future of nuclear power in Kentucky.
Paducah Laser Enrichment Facility
Global Laser Enrichment (GLE) is moving forward with plans to develop the Paducah Laser Enrichment Facility (PLEF).
This $1.76 billion project is expected to play a pivotal role in rebuilding and strengthening the domestic supply chain for uranium, conversion, and enrichment services.
“GLE greatly appreciates the Commonwealth of Kentucky’s enthusiasm and support for nuclear energy and especially, the creation of new U.S. domestic nuclear fuel sources,” said Stephen Long, CEO of GLE. “The incentive package reflects a shared vision for economic development, technological leadership and the establishment of a resilient domestic nuclear fuel supply chain. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with state and local partners as we advance the PLEF. Paducah was once the hub of the U.S. nuclear fuel cycle, and GLE is proud to reassert Kentucky’s leadership with the world’s most advanced uranium enrichment technology.”
Formed in 2007, GLE is working to commercialize new uranium enrichment technology.
The company is currently enriching significant quantities of uranium at its pilot plant in Wilmington, North Carolina.
The company’s commercial deployment of this technology is supported by more than $550 million in privately funded engineering, design, manufacturing and licensing investments across North Carolina and Kentucky.
GLE was also recently selected for an award of up to $28.5 million from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to support its work.
What is Laser Enrichment
Uranium is a naturally occurring element mined from the earth, made up mostly of uranium-238 and a small amount (about 0.7%) of uranium-235.
Uranium-235 is the isotope that can sustain a nuclear chain reaction. Because the approximately 0.7% found naturally is too low for most reactors, the uranium has to be enriched to increase the concentration of uranium-235 before it can be used as fuel.
Once enriched, it’s formed into fuel for nuclear power plants, where a controlled fission reaction produces heat to create steam, spin turbines and generate electricity.
Newer technologies like laser enrichment use precisely tuned lasers to more efficiently separate and concentrate uranium-235.
Companies like Global Laser Enrichment are working to advance this technology.
“This is a game-changing investment for Western Kentucky and our entire commonwealth, and I am excited to see this project and the 240 great jobs come to life for families in Paducah and the surrounding region,” said Governor Andy Beshear. “This project solidifies our role as a leader in the country’s nuclear power sector and will transform our economy, creating opportunities for Kentucky families for generations.”
GLE’s 665-acre Paducah site is strategically located adjacent to the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) former Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant.
The PLEF is currently under license application review by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
Once licensed, the facility is expected to re-enrich over 200,000 metric tons of high-assay depleted uranium under a 2016 contract with the U.S. Department of Energy – accelerating DOE’s site cleanup mission, reducing long-term federal costs, and providing a new fuel source for nuclear power generation.
The project is expected to create 240 new high-wage jobs in McCracken County.
For more information on Global Laser Enrichment (GLE), visit GLE-us.com.
