US’ new uranium enrichment facility could boost nuclear fuel supply after review

Orano Enrichment USA has asked the NRC for a license to build and operate Project IKE, a uranium enrichment plant near Oak Ridge, Tennessee.

The NRC plans a 12-month technical review covering safety, security, and environmental issues before deciding on approval.

If licensed, construction could start in 2028 and the gas-centrifuge facility would produce low-enriched uranium for U.S. reactors.

The plant is designed to reach up to 7.4 million separative work units a year, adding domestic enrichment capacity.

The project supports U.S. efforts to cut reliance on Russian enriched uranium as import limits tighten.