Ohio to anchor U.S. nuclear revival as Centrus plans major expansion
Image: JobsOhio
Centrus Energy Corp. announced plans Thursday to significantly expand its uranium enrichment facility in Piketon, Ohio, in a project that could bring a multi-billion-dollar investment to the state and add at least 300 new operations jobs, alongside 1,000 construction jobs. The expansion would also retain 127 existing positions, strengthening the region’s role in America’s nuclear sector.
Why it matters
Nearly all uranium enrichment worldwide is controlled by foreign, state-owned enterprises, leaving the United States dependent on overseas suppliers for a critical part of its nuclear energy supply chain. Centrus’ facility in Piketon is the only plant in the country using American-developed centrifuge technology, giving Ohio a unique role in the effort to rebuild domestic enrichment capacity.
The expansion would also support America’s clean energy goals by increasing the supply of low-enriched uranium (LEU) for existing reactors and high-assay, low-enriched uranium (HALEU) for advanced nuclear designs. Both are considered vital to ensuring nuclear remains a reliable, carbon-free power source.
The details
Funding dependency: Plans hinge on federal funding decisions by the U.S. Department of Energy. Centrus has submitted proposals to scale production of LEU and HALEU.
Capital raised: Over the past year, Centrus raised $1.2B through convertible notes and secured $2B in contingent utility purchase commitments. It’s also in discussions with Korean partners POSCO International and Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power.
Recruiting underway: Centrus is already hiring, with JobsOhio and Ohio Southeast Economic Development helping to build out a pipeline of operators and technicians.
What they’re saying
“The time has come to restore America’s ability to enrich uranium at scale,” said Centrus CEO Amir Vexler. “We are planning a historic, multi-billion-dollar investment right here in Ohio… When it comes to powering our energy future, it’s time to stop relying on foreign, state-owned corporations and start investing in American technology, built by American workers.”
“Uranium enrichment operations in Piketon have played a critical role in U.S. national defense since the earliest days of the Cold War, and Centrus’ facility provides the only technology available today capable of building out domestic enrichment at an industrial scale,” added Ohio Governor Mike DeWine.
“Today’s announcement is critical, not just for the people of Southeast Ohio, but for our nation. Expanding our ability to enrich uranium here in Ohio will continue America’s legacy as the global leader in nuclear development,” said U.S. Senator Jon Husted.
“Centrus’ Piketon uranium enrichment facility is one of a kind in the United States, and it has a critical role to play in reclaiming America’s global nuclear leadership and in meeting our enduring national security requirements,” said JobsOhio President and CEO J.P. Nauseef.
The big picture
The project underscores Ohio’s role at the intersection of national security, advanced energy, and economic development. If funded, Piketon would anchor America’s effort to restore domestic enrichment capacity, giving southern Ohio a central role in the next chapter of U.S. nuclear power.