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Urenco USA Starts Up First Phase of New U.S. Enrichment Capacity
19 May 2025 UUSA NewsUrenco USA Starts Up First Phase of New U.S. Enrichment Capacity
EUNICE, New Mexico – Urenco USA has initiated production of enriched uranium in its newest gas centrifuge cascade, marking the next phase of expansion at its enrichment facility in New Mexico. This cascade is the first of several planned to come online by early 2027. Once completed, this expansion will provide an approximately 15 percent increase in domestic enrichment capacity.
“Our experienced team of employees at Urenco USA continues to deliver on our plans for expanding America’s uranium enrichment capacity to support our utility customers with a long-term and reliable domestic supply of enriched uranium,” said John Kirkpatrick, managing director of Urenco USA.
Urenco USA is America’s only commercial producer of enriched uranium and has been enriching uranium in the United States since 2010. Urenco USA operates the National Enrichment Facility, a key U.S. strategic asset, and an essential part of America’s national energy infrastructure and the U.S. nuclear fuel supply chain. The facility represents a commercial investment to date of more than $5 billion in U.S. manufacturing.
Urenco USA currently has the capacity to meet approximately one-third of the enrichment needs of U.S. commercial nuclear power plants. The company is evaluating potential additional expansion subject to market demand and underpinned by contracts. Urenco USA is uniquely positioned to support U.S. utilities in meeting growing domestic energy needs and in strengthening U.S. energy security. Urenco USA’s new supply will strengthen the U.S. nuclear fuel supply chain and will support a transition away from reliance on Russian supply.
About Urenco USA
As the only commercial scale uranium enrichment facility in North America, Urenco USA plays an essential role in the nuclear fuel supply chain, which ends with the generation of reliable, secure, and sustainable energy for U.S. consumers. Our focus is on providing safe, cost-effective and reliable uranium enrichment services for power generation while working within a framework of high regulatory and safety standards. Our world-class facility is located in the southeastern corner of New Mexico and plays a vital role in supporting U.S. energy production, energy security, jobs, and manufacturing. The facility is a leading example of commercial investment in U.S. manufacturing and innovation, which began over two decades ago and is continuing today. To learn more, visit www.urencousa.com.
Contact:
Jeremy Derryberry
Director of Communications, Urenco USA
jeremy.derryberry@urenco.com
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About Urenco
Urenco is an international supplier of enrichment services and fuel cycle products with sustainability at the core of its business. Operating in a pivotal area of the nuclear fuel supply chain for 50 years, Urenco facilitates zero carbon electricity generation for consumers around the world.
With its head office near London, UK, Urenco’s global presence ensures diversity and security of supply for customers through enrichment facilities in Germany, the Netherlands, the UK and the USA. Using centrifuge technology designed and developed by Urenco, and through the expertise of our people, the Urenco Group provides safe, cost effective and reliable services; operating within a framework of high environmental, social and governance standards, complementing international safeguards.
Urenco is committed to continued investment in the responsible management of nuclear materials; innovation activities with clear sustainability benefits, such as nuclear medicine, industrial efficiency and research; and nurturing the next generation of scientists and engineers.
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