Centrus Energy has announced plans for a multi-billion dollar expansion of its uranium enrichment plant in Piketon, Ohio, a project designed to strengthen the nation’s supply of nuclear fuel for advanced reactors.
The expansion is designed to increase production of both Low-Enriched Uranium (LEU) and High-Assay, Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU), materials critical to next-generation clean energy technologies and advanced nuclear reactors. The project, estimated by Centrus, would generate 1,000 construction jobs and 300 permanent operations jobs, along with saving 127 existing jobs at the facility.
Multi-Billion-Dollar Investment Contingent on Federal Support
The ultimate project scale is subject to federal funding approvals by the U.S. Department of Energy. If funded, Centrus expects the buildout will spur a multi-billion-dollar public–private investment in Ohio.
The project was described as “cornerstone” to the restoration of U.S. uranium enrichment capacity by Centrus CEO Amir Vexler.
“We’re planning a historic investment here in Ohio, backed by a fully domestic supply chain,” he said. “The goal is to end reliance on foreign, state-owned enterprises and secure America’s energy future with American technology and American workers.”
Broader Economic Impact
Beyond Piketon, the project is expected to support hundreds of jobs at Centrus’ centrifuge manufacturing plant in Tennessee, while creating thousands of indirect roles throughout the company’s U.S.-based supply chain.
Alongside the jobs in Piketon, the project is expected to sustain hundreds of positions at Centrus’ centrifuge manufacturing hub in Tennessee and support thousands of indirect jobs across the domestic supply chain. Hiring for the 300 new operations jobs will begin immediately, with job fairs and partnerships across the region.
Partnerships and Hiring Push
State economic development agencies are aligning behind the project. JobsOhio and OhioSE have pledged to partner with Centrus long-term, particularly as the company ramps up recruitment to fill new roles.
Centrus executives are spotlighting the opportunity today at the Ross County Employment Expo in Chillicothe, where they are meeting potential candidates for the operations workforce.
A Facility with Historic Roots
Governor DeWine emphasized the symbolic weight of Piketon in America’s defense and energy history.
“Uranium enrichment in Piketon has been central to U.S. security since the Cold War,” he noted. “Centrus’ decision to expand shows that Ohio remains vital to national defense and to building a secure domestic energy future. This facility is the only one with the technology to deliver enrichment at industrial scale.”
If federal support aligns with corporate ambitions, the expansion would mark one of the largest nuclear fuel infrastructure investments in decades—anchoring Ohio at the heart of America’s renewed push for nuclear energy independence.
Alongside private sector investments, the United States is reviving nuclear programs nationwide. On Tuesday, September 16, the Department of Energy announced a new round of funding to support the restart of the Palisades Nuclear Plant in Michigan.
Project Factsheet: Expansion of Centrus’ uranium enrichment plant in Piketon, Ohio
Location: Piketon, Ohio
Company: Centrus Energy
Type: Expansion of uranium enrichment facility
Investment: Multi-billion-dollar investment (scale dependent on U.S. Department of Energy funding)
Jobs:
1,000 construction jobs
300 new operations jobs
127 existing jobs saved
Hundreds of jobs at Tennessee centrifuge plant supported
Thousands of indirect jobs nationwide
Output:
Low-Enriched Uranium (LEU)
High-Assay, Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU)
Supply Chain: Entirely domestic
