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.

Kinectrics to conduct independent review of Clean Core's advanced fuel program

Clean Core Thorium Energy has engaged Kinectrics to conduct an independent technical review of its ANEEL (Advanced Nuclear Energy for Enriched Life) fuel qualification program. The assessment will evaluate critical aspects of the fuel development pathway, including design specifications, manufacturing processes, safety protocols, and regulatory preparedness.

The independent review represents a validation step for Clean Core's fuel qualification efforts. By bringing in external technical expertise, the company aims to ensure its ANEEL program meets industry standards and regulatory requirements. Kinectrics' involvement signals confidence in the program's technical foundation while providing an objective evaluation of its readiness for further advancement.

The scope of Kinectrics' review encompasses the full spectrum of fuel qualification considerations. Design review will assess the technical specifications and performance characteristics of the fuel. Manufacturing evaluation will examine production processes and quality assurance protocols. Safety analysis will verify compliance with applicable safety standards. Regulatory readiness assessment will determine alignment with licensing and approval pathways.

This engagement reflects the nuclear industry's emphasis on rigorous technical validation for advanced fuel concepts. Independent technical reviews serve as a critical checkpoint in fuel development programs, helping to identify potential issues early and demonstrate technical credibility to regulators and stakeholders. The ANEEL program represents Clean Core's approach to next-generation fuel technology, and the independent assessment provides an objective measure of its technical maturity.

Kinectrics to perform independent technical review of ANEEL fuel qualification program
Assessment covers fuel design, manufacturing processes, safety protocols, and regulatory readiness
Independent evaluation supports validation of Clean Core's fuel development pathway
Review represents critical checkpoint in advanced fuel qualification process

Immersive Robotics Facility Launched to Accelerate UK Decommissioning

The Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Collaboration facility, known as RAICo1, opened in Whitehaven, Cumbria in 2022 as the first network of robotics and artificial intelligence collaboration hubs across the United Kingdom. The facility integrates remotely operated robotics systems with immersive data visualisation in a single interactive environment designed to support decommissioning operations at Sellafield and comparable sites.

Operational Capability

The 360-degree visual environment accommodates up to ten users and allows engineers, operators and project teams to step inside digital versions of facilities and operational scenarios before work begins on site. Teams planning work in restricted areas can walk routes virtually, with live imagery from robotic platforms displayed as conditions change. The facility provides a dedicated space for collaborative operations planning, enabling multidisciplinary teams to test approaches and respond quickly to emerging issues.

Expected to reduce time workers spend in hazardous environments by up to 40%
Enables remote operations and monitoring through robotics and live data streaming
Offers ability to test technology in environments mirroring those on the Sellafield site, including gloveboxes and water tanks

Development and Partners

The facility was developed by engineering services and nuclear company AtkinsRéalis in partnership with Sellafield Ltd and immersive technology specialist Igloo Vision Ltd. The project builds on expertise gained through AtkinsRéalis' Lava Lab network and the delivery of Sellafield Ltd's immersive facility at Hinton House in Risley, Cheshire. RAICo1 will be used by Sellafield Ltd, supply chain partners and academia to develop technology needed for decommissioning operations.

Strategic Value

The facility addresses the complexity of decommissioning some of the United Kingdom's most challenging nuclear facilities by enabling teams to visualise challenges and work through solutions collaboratively before activities begin on site. By bringing immersive technology and robotics together in one location, the capability creates opportunities to reduce risk and improve efficiency in decommissioning programmes. The design meets operational needs while allowing flexibility for future expansion and innovation.