Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear highlighted the single largest capital investment in Western Kentucky history as Global Laser Enrichment (GLE) announced plans to develop the Paducah Laser Enrichment Facility (PLEF), a $1.76 billion project that will create 240 new high-wage positions in McCracken County.
“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 Gov. 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.
“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 America’s most advanced new uranium enrichment technology, currently enriching significant quantities of uranium at its Wilmington, North Carolina, pilot plant. The company’s commercial deployment 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.
McCracken County Judge/Executive Craig Clymer said, “GLE will promote economic development in McCracken County through hundreds of skilled and stable jobs paying high wages, increased property tax and payroll tax for the county. This will position McCracken County as a major player in the advanced nuclear fuel cycle supply chain, converting thousands of tons of depleted uranium into valuable nuclear fuel, reducing the U.S.’s reliance on foreign countries and reducing time and expense of DOE cleanup at the site. A major win for our community and our country.”
Paducah Mayor George Bray added: “For over 75 years uranium enrichment has been an important contributor to the Paducah/McCracken County economy. We are now in exciting times as uranium enrichment enters the next stage of development by contributing to our country’s rapidly growing energy requirements. GLE has been working in our community planning the implementation of their proprietary enrichment technology. The city of Paducah congratulates GLE and looks forward to formally welcoming their management, staff and employees to the Paducah/McCracken County community.”
Bruce Wilcox, president and CEO of Greater Paducah Economic Development, mentioned the long-term impact: “Today’s announcement represents a significant step forward for Paducah, the Commonwealth of Kentucky and our nation. This project not only honors our region’s history in energy production but also secures our future as a leader in next-generation nuclear technology. GLE’s next generation enrichment facility will not only preserve Paducah’s identity as a critical energy hub but also align with national priorities to strengthen domestic fuel security and reduce reliance on foreign uranium supplies.”