US Nuclear Regulatory Commission Grants Approval for Construction Timeline of Paducah Laser Enrichment Facility
The Paducah Laser Enrichment Facility (PLEF), a project by Global Laser Enrichment (GLE), is moving closer to resuming operations, marking a significant step forward in GLE's mission. The facility, planned for depleted uranium tails re-enrichment and low enriched uranium production, is expected to play a significant role in rebuilding the domestic supply chain for uranium, conversion, and enrichment services.
GLE's goal is to re-enrich the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Paducah inventory of depleted uranium tails to support cleanup activities from DOE legacy activities. This move aims to reduce dependence on foreign fuel sources from state-owned entities.
The PLEF is located at the site of the former Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant, now under the lease of General Matter. The lease of the Paducah facility has been seen as the largest economic investment ever for western Kentucky, expected to contribute to the economic growth of the region.
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has completed its acceptance review of GLE's license application for the PLEF. Although a precise date for when operations will resume is not yet known, the NRC has established a timeline for the review process. 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.
Gov. Andy Beshear has expressed anticipation for returning to Paducah to celebrate the next key milestone for the PLEF project. He highlighted Kentucky's leadership in nuclear energy and the 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 resumption of operations at the PLEF is part of a broader effort to revitalize the Paducah site, which includes DOE grants and studies on re-industrialization potential. A formal announcement event related to the project was planned for August 5, 2025, involving key political and industry figures, indicating momentum toward initiating operations soon.
[1] Source: [Link to the official announcement or press release]
- The resumption of operations at the Paducah Laser Enrichment Facility (PLEF) will not only boost the economic growth of western Kentucky, but also contribute to Kentucky's leadership in the nuclear energy industry.
- In alignment with President Trump's Executive Order, GLE is hopeful that the re-enrichment of depleted uranium tails at the PLEF will help reduce Kentucky's dependence on foreign finance for energy.
