Kairos Power Launches Workforce Initiative for Oak Ridge Reactor Project

Kairos Power has established a collaborative workforce development program as construction advances on its high-temperature, fluoride salt–cooled reactor facilities in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. The initiative, formalized through a memorandum of understanding, brings together eight regional and national organizations to address anticipated staffing needs for the project.

The partnership, named the Nuclear Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Precast (NuCAMP), combines expertise from research institutions, educational providers, construction firms, and local school systems. This multi-stakeholder approach aims to create a pipeline of trained workers equipped with skills relevant to advanced reactor manufacturing and assembly.

Oak Ridge National Laboratory contributes research and technical expertise
University of Tennessee–Knoxville provides academic resources and curriculum development
Roane State Community College and Chattanooga State Community College offer vocational and technical training programs
Barnard Construction brings construction and project management experience
The Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation (IACMI) focuses on advanced manufacturing techniques
Oak Ridge Schools engages secondary education in workforce preparation

Workforce Development Strategy

The consortium's formation reflects growing recognition within the nuclear sector that new reactor projects require sustained investment in local talent development. By coordinating across educational, research, and industrial partners, NuCAMP aims to align training curricula with actual job requirements at the facility.

The initiative targets both immediate staffing needs during construction and longer-term operational requirements. Community colleges play a central role, offering accessible pathways for workers seeking nuclear industry careers without requiring four-year degrees. Integration with secondary schools signals an effort to build interest in nuclear careers among younger populations.

Training programs focus on advanced manufacturing and precast construction techniques
Partnerships leverage existing educational infrastructure in the region
Coordination between institutions reduces duplication and improves resource efficiency
Local hiring emphasis supports regional economic development

Project Context

Kairos Power's Oak Ridge facility represents a significant investment in advanced reactor technology development. The high-temperature, fluoride salt–cooled design differs from conventional light-water reactors, requiring specialized knowledge and manufacturing capabilities. The workforce initiative addresses the technical skill gaps that such projects typically encounter.

By establishing NuCAMP before peak construction activity, the consortium aims to avoid common supply-chain bottlenecks related to labor availability and training timelines. This proactive approach may serve as a model for other advanced reactor projects seeking to develop regional workforces.

Advanced reactor designs require specialized manufacturing expertise
Early workforce planning reduces project delays and cost overruns
Regional partnerships distribute training costs across multiple institutions
Sustainable workforce development supports long-term industry growth

Doosan Enerbility Secures Second Contract for Chinese Nuclear Steam Generator Forgings

Doosan Enerbility has been contracted to supply steam generator forgings for units 5 and 6 of the Laiyang Nuclear Power Project in Shandong province, China. The order, signed with Dongfang Electric International and Dongfang Heavy Machinery—subsidiaries of Dongfang Electric Group—calls for delivery of eight forged components by 2029.

The contract specifies four channel heads and four tube sheets, critical materials in nuclear steam generator construction. Each forging measures approximately 5 metres in diameter and weighs up to 130 tonnes. Doosan Enerbility will manufacture the components at its Changwon headquarters facility using a 17,000-tonne press and ultra-large forging technologies.

Project Context

The Laiyang plant will eventually comprise six Guohe One reactors, an enlarged variant of the CAP1000 pressurised water reactor derived from Westinghouse's AP1000 design. State Power Investment Corporation is responsible for investment, construction, and operation of the facility. Two units received approval during a State Council executive meeting in July 2026.

This contract represents Doosan Enerbility's second order for Laiyang components. The company previously secured a supply agreement for units 3 and 4, and has supplied steam generator forgings for the Haiyang nuclear plant, also located in Shandong province and equipped with AP1000 reactors.

Market Position

Jongdoo Kim, CEO of Doosan Enerbility, characterised the repeat order as validation of the company's technological and quality standing in China's nuclear market. The successive contracts underscore sustained demand for large-scale forged components in China's nuclear expansion programme and reflect Doosan Enerbility's established capability in ultra-large forging manufacturing for the global nuclear supply chain.

Urenco Expands US Enrichment Capacity by 50% with USD8 Billion Investment

Urenco has begun construction on a significant expansion of its US uranium enrichment operations at the National Enrichment Facility in Eunice, New Mexico. The project represents a nearly 50% increase in the company's domestic capacity and involves a multi-billion-dollar investment now exceeding USD8 billion at the site.

The expansion will install 2.1 million separative work units (SWU) of new enrichment capacity using gas-centrifuge technology deployed across 24 cascades. Initial production from the new cascades is scheduled to begin in 2032, with additional cascades coming online through 2036.

The facility currently operates with an annual capacity of 4.3 million SWU and is completing a separate project adding 700,000 SWU by 2027. The new expansion will enable the National Enrichment Facility to serve a larger share of US commercial reactor enrichment needs, which currently account for approximately one-third of domestic demand.

Market Drivers and Supply Chain Impact

The expansion responds to two converging pressures on the US nuclear fuel supply chain. Rising electricity demand and accelerating reactor deployment plans are expected to increase enrichment requirements significantly. Simultaneously, the United States has implemented a total ban on imports of Russian-enriched uranium effective January 2028, eliminating a major source of supply.

Urenco secured customer backing for the project through long-term contracts, enabling the company to proceed without public funding. The facility was developed as a commercial venture and operates independently of government subsidies.

Employment and Economic Contribution

Construction of the new enrichment capacity will support between 300 and 600 jobs during peak building periods. Once operational, the expanded facility will sustain approximately 70 permanent positions dedicated to the new cascades.

Urenco USA currently employs more than 500 staff and long-term contractors across its New Mexico operations. A 2024–2025 economic analysis found that Urenco USA's operations contributed more than USD360 million to the US economy during that period.

Technical Specifications

Low-enriched uranium (LEU) for commercial reactors typically contains between 3.5% and 5% uranium-235, the fissile isotope required for reactor operation. Natural uranium contains only 0.7% uranium-235, necessitating enrichment through centrifuge separation.

The new cascades will employ Urenco's proven gas-centrifuge enrichment technology, the same method used in the existing facility since its 2010 startup.