Global Laser Enrichment formally announces the scope of its $1.8 billion Paducah project

The land swap has been completed, sitework has begun, and now, a formal announcement from Global Laser Enrichment regarding the scope of the $1.8 billion Paducah project.

GLE said on Thursday that their Paducah Laser Enrichment Facility will bring an estimated 240 jobs to the community in what has been described as the largest economic development project in western Kentucky history, just eclipsing the $1.5 billion investment from another company in the nuclear sector, General Matter. Both plan to use materials from the former Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant to develop a domestic supply chain for fuel to sustain America’s nuclear fleet. The planned Paducah facility will benefit from a tax and incentive package worth $98.9 million, provided that the facility hits certain investment and job levels.

Global Laser Enrichment will utilize its proprietary laser-based uranium enrichment process to take depleted uranium from the Department of Energy site and convert it to nuclear fuel. The facility will create high-quality jobs for the area. They said it would also bring opportunity for other supply-chain businesses and more economic development.

GLE Chief Executive Officer, Stephen Long, said, “GLE greatly appreciates McCracken County and the Commonwealth of Kentucky’s enthusiasm and support for nuclear energy and the creation of new U.S. domestic nuclear fuel sources. 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 Paducah Laser Enrichment Facility. 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.”

Bruce Wilcox, President of Greater Paducah Economic Development, added, “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.”

GLE is seeking to capitalize on Paducah’s experience and infrastructure in the nuclear industry to provide fuel to power the future of reliable, clean energy.  


Rendering of the Paducah Laser Enrichment Facility from NRC documents