The United States is making the largest investment in uranium enrichment in decades.
The Department of Energy (DOE) announced a major $2.7 billion plan to rebuild and expand domestic uranium enrichment capacity over the next 10 years.
The funding marks a decisive shift away from foreign uranium suppliers and a new move in the nation’s efforts to strengthen energy security while accelerating what officials are calling a new era of U.S. nuclear power.
Reconstruction of America’s uranium enrichment base
Central to this effort is expanding U.S. capacity to produce low enriched uranium (LEU), the fuel used in today’s commercial nuclear reactors, in parallel with the development of highly analytical low enriched uranium (HALEU), the next generation fuel needed for modern nuclear reactor designs.
By investing in both, DOE aims to ensure that the nation’s 94 operating nuclear reactors continue to operate while laying the foundation for future nuclear technology.
Companies selected for funding
To further this goal, DOE issued work orders to three companies previously selected through competitive agreements.
American Centrifuge Operation and General Matter will each receive $900 million to establish domestic HALEU enrichment capabilities. This is an important step given that there is currently no large-scale HALEU production in the United States.
The federal government of Olano will receive an additional $900 million to expand domestic LEU enrichment and strengthen the backbone of its existing nuclear fleet.
DOE emphasized that funds will be released on a milestone-based structure to ensure accountability and measurable progress as projects move from development to production.
Supporting cutting-edge technology and innovation
Beyond traditional enrichment capacity, DOE is also investing in innovation. An additional $28 million was awarded to Global Laser Enrichment to advance next-generation uranium enrichment technology.
Laser-based enrichment methods have the potential to reduce costs and energy usage while increasing efficiency throughout the nuclear fuel cycle, positioning the United States as a leader in cutting-edge enrichment science.
U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright added, “These awards demonstrate that this administration is committed to restoring a secure domestic nuclear fuel supply chain that can produce the nuclear fuel needed to power today’s nuclear reactors and the advanced reactors of tomorrow.”
Why domestic uranium enrichment is important
Expanding domestic uranium enrichment is strategically essential for the United States. For decades, the country has relied heavily on foreign enrichment services, including suppliers in geopolitically sensitive regions.
This dependence leaves U.S. nuclear operators vulnerable to supply disruptions, price volatility, and broader geopolitical risks.
By rebuilding domestic enrichment capacity, the United States is increasing its energy independence and protecting a power source that provides about one-fifth of the nation’s electricity and more than half of its carbon-free generation.
Reliable domestic supplies of LEU and HALEU will also support the deployment of advanced nuclear reactors that are safer, more flexible and suitable for industrial and remote applications.
Just as importantly, this investment is expected to create high-skilled American jobs, stimulate local economies, and restore technical expertise that has been lost over time.
As global demand for nuclear energy increases, the United States’ uranium enrichment sector is strong and positioned to not only meet its own needs but also compete internationally in the growing nuclear market.
Together, these investments represent the foundation of America’s nuclear renaissance and ensure that uranium enrichment once again becomes a strategic strength rather than a weakness.
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