Why Orano USA picked Oak Ridge for its next big uranium enrichment project – And what’s next

Orano USA has chosen Oak Ridge, Tennessee, as the preferred site for a new multi-billion-dollar centrifuge uranium enrichment facility, as announced by Tennessee Governor Bill Lee. This state-of-the-art uranium enrichment center, spanning approximately 750,000 square feet, will be among the largest of its kind in North America and is expected to create over 300 direct jobs in Roane County.

Key Details of the Orano USA Uranium Enrichment Facility

The new uranium enrichment facility will serve as a commercial production site comprised of multiple structures, making it a significant addition to Tennessee’s nuclear infrastructure. Governor Lee emphasized the strategic importance of this development, noting that the state’s Nuclear Energy Fund, created in collaboration with the Tennessee General Assembly, aims to enhance Tennessee’s nuclear ecosystem.

“Our administration created the Nuclear Energy Fund… to support and expand the state’s nuclear ecosystem,” said Gov. Lee. “Tennessee is the number one state for nuclear energy companies to invest and thrive, and we are proud to partner with Orano to lead America’s energy independence and drive continued economic growth.”

Orano USA’s Strategic Investment in Tennessee

Orano USA, headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, with global headquarters in Paris, France, is a leading provider of technology and services for the nuclear industry. The company’s portfolio includes uranium mining, conversion and enrichment, used nuclear fuel management, and recycling, decommissioning of shutdown nuclear facilities, federal site clean-up, and development of nuclear medicines.

Jean-Luc Palayer, CEO and President of Orano USA, highlighted the factors that influenced the site selection: “The warm welcome, responsive engagement, and established nuclear energy community in Oak Ridge, as well as access to continuous and stable power, have been key factors for this site selection.”

Economic and Strategic Impacts

The Orano project was vetted and recommended by the Education and Workforce subgroup of the 22-member Tennessee Nuclear Energy Advisory Council, which includes members of the Lee administration, Tennessee’s Congressional Delegation, and key nuclear industry stakeholders. This project marks Orano as the second company to benefit from the Nuclear Energy Fund, which aims to attract nuclear energy businesses and support state research institutions in advancing nuclear education programs.

Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) President and CEO Jeff Lyash also commented on the significance of this project, stating, “East Tennessee’s status as a nuclear technologies incubator is made possible through partnerships between TVA, the Department of Energy, state and local economic development agencies, elected officials, and innovative companies like Orano.”

Broader Implications for Tennessee’s Nuclear Sector

This announcement reinforces Tennessee’s position as a leader in nuclear innovation and development, particularly with assets like the Oak Ridge National Laboratory and a strong historical foundation in the nuclear sector. The multi-billion-dollar investment by Orano will further elevate the state’s role in the national quest for energy independence and secure nuclear fuel supply.

Lieutenant Governor Randy McNally (R-Oak Ridge) remarked, “This unprecedented project will provide much-needed jobs for Tennesseans and place us at the forefront of a critical industry sector.”

The new uranium enrichment facility by Orano USA in Oak Ridge represents a major milestone in strengthening the nuclear energy infrastructure in Tennessee. The project aligns with state and federal goals for energy independence and security, while also bolstering economic growth and job creation within the state.