Construction Timeline Finalized for Paducah Laser Enrichment Facility, Awaiting Green Light from US Nuclear Regulatory Commission
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Greenlights Laser Enrichment Facility in Paducah
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has taken a significant step forward in the development of the Paducah Laser Enrichment Facility (PLEF) by completing its acceptance review of Global Laser Enrichment's (GLE) license application.
GLE's mission involves deploying new U.S. based depleted uranium tails re-enrichment and low enriched uranium production capacity. The facility's operations, which will be managed by General Matter in the future, are anticipated to significantly contribute to rebuilding and strengthening the domestic supply chain for uranium, conversion, and enrichment services.
General Matter, an American uranium enrichment company, signed a lease with the U.S. Department of Energy for what was formerly known as the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant earlier this week. GLE aims to reduce dependence on foreign fuel sources from state-owned entities by re-enriching the DOE's Paducah inventory of depleted uranium tails.
The Paducah Laser Enrichment Facility's operations are expected to resume following the NRC's review. The expected timeline for the resumption of operations is not explicitly detailed, but key developments indicate significant progress toward its establishment.
As of July 2025, plans are actively moving forward to establish the world’s first commercial laser uranium enrichment plant on property adjacent to the former Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant (PGDP). This effort is led by General Matter, a company incubated within Founders Fund and backed by billionaire Peter Thiel.
A formal announcement event for this project was planned for August 5, 2025, involving Kentucky government officials and nuclear industry representatives, suggesting active promotion and development. The Department of Energy has listed the site among locations considered for advanced data center and energy projects, and a DOE grant was secured to study the site’s re-industrialization potential, indicating institutional support for revitalizing the area.
GLE is hopeful for a timely review, in line with President Trump's Executive Order, Ordering the Reform of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, dated May 23, 2025. Timothy Knowles, GLE’s Licensing & Regulatory Affairs Manager, expresses appreciation for the NRC’s timely acceptance review and anticipates continued collaboration with the NRC for a streamlined and efficient licensing schedule.
Gov. Andy Beshear looks forward to celebrating the next key milestone for the Paducah project, which he considers an exciting and historic project. The lease of the Paducah facility is the largest economic investment ever for western Kentucky, as stated by Gov. Beshear. He points out that the lease reflects Kentucky's leadership in nuclear energy and strong partnerships at the federal and local levels, as well as in the private sector.
GLE intends to lead efforts to re-establish Paducah's historic role in the U.S. nuclear energy ecosystem. The Paducah Laser Enrichment Facility's operations will involve re-enriching depleted uranium tails and producing low enriched uranium, supporting cleanup activities from DOE legacy activities.
The NRC's review is a significant step forward in GLE's mission, and the project appears to be in the development and planning phase as of mid-2025, with formal announcements and studies ongoing. Further precise operational timelines may be provided following formal project milestones or subsequent public updates by General Matter or associated agencies.
[1] Source: The Paducah Sun
- The Paducah Laser Enrichment Facility, scheduled to be built in Kentucky, will be a significant contributor to the local industry, specifically the uranium, conversion, and enrichment services sector.
- General Matter, the American company responsible for managing the Paducah Laser Enrichment Facility, is aiming to strengthen Kentucky's finance sector by reducing dependence on foreign energy sources and rebuilding the domestic uranium supply chain.
