Urenco USA Expands Enrichment Capacity to Support US Nuclear Industry
Urenco USA is expanding its National Enrichment Facility in Eunice, New Mexico, which is currently the sole commercial uranium enrichment facility in the United States. The company aims to increase its domestic enrichment production capacity to over 7 million separative work units (SWU) within the next decade.
The expansion involves several phases. Between 2025 and 2027, 700,000 SWU of new capacity will be installed through the addition of eight centrifuge cascades in an existing building. The seventh cascade is expected to be installed later this year, with the final cascade operational by spring 2027.
Starting next year, Urenco USA plans to refurbish existing cascades at the facility. This initiative is part of ongoing capital investments designed to ensure a long-term, reliable supply of enrichment services for its customers.
In 2029, construction is scheduled to begin on a new enrichment plant at the facility. This new plant will add 2.1 million SWU of enrichment capacity. Initial cascades are projected to start production in 2032, with additional cascades installed through 2036.
Jody Blackshear, Managing Director of Urenco USA, stated that the company is delivering new capacity ahead of schedule and within budget to support the US nuclear industry and allied nations. This experience will inform future capacity programs as Urenco aims to increase its enrichment production by over 50% to meet the needs of both traditional and advanced reactors.
