Orano USA to Build Multibillion-Dollar Uranium Enrichment Facility in East Tennessee

OAK RIDGE, Tennessee. A French company specializing in nuclear and renewable energy has selected a site in eastern Tennessee to build a multibillion-dollar uranium-enrichment centrifuge facility, Gov. Bill Lee announced.

The project was unveiled Wednesday in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, where a 750,000-square-foot Orano USA center will be built.

“Tennessee is the number one state for nuclear energy companies to invest and expand, and we are proud to partner with Orano to lead America’s energy independence and drive continued economic growth and greater opportunity for Tennesseans,” Lee said in a statement.

State officials did not disclose how much Orano USA will invest in the new facility, but the project is expected to create 300 jobs.

Jean-Luc Palayer, CEO and president of Orano USA, said the next steps will include securing “available federal support and customer commitments,” as well as obtaining a license from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

“Today we celebrate reaching this important milestone on the path to bringing online a new enrichment facility that will help meet our nation’s need for an increased, secure domestic supply of nuclear fuel,” Palayer added.

According to Knox News, the city of Oak Ridge, Roane County and the state nuclear fund will each provide $5 million to cover the costs of preparing the site for infrastructure construction.

The announcement in Tennessee comes after President Joe Biden signed legislation in May aimed at ending enriched uranium imports from Russia. The new law also freed up about $2.7 billion to expand the country’s uranium fuel industry.

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, about 12% of the uranium used to produce electricity in American nuclear power plants is imported from Russia.

“Energy independence will be critical to our nation’s success,” said Senate President Randy McNally, an Oak Ridge Republican who also serves as lieutenant governor. “The development and expansion of clean, efficient nuclear energy is the path to that independence.”