Current:Home > InvestOrano USA to build a multibillion-dollar uranium enrichment facility in eastern Tennessee-VaTradeCoin
Orano USA to build a multibillion-dollar uranium enrichment facility in eastern Tennessee
View Date:2025-01-07 13:02:04
OAK RIDGE, Tenn. (AP) — A France-based company that specializes in nuclear power and renewable energy has selected a site in eastern Tennessee to build a multibillion-dollar centrifuge uranium enrichment facility, Gov. Bill Lee announced.
The project was unveiled Wednesday in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, where the 750,000-square-foot center for Orano USA will be built.
“Tennessee is the number one state for nuclear energy companies to invest and thrive, and we are proud to partner with Orano to lead America’s energy independence and drive continued economic growth and greater opportunity for Tennesseans,” Lee said in a statement.
State officials did not release how much Orano USA will invest in the new site, but the project is expected to bring in 300 jobs.
Jean-Luc Palayer, CEO and president of Orano USA, said the next steps would involve securing “available federal support and customer commitments” and also obtaining a license from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
“Today we celebrate this major milestone towards bringing a new enrichment facility online to help meet our country’s need for an increased, secure domestic nuclear fuel supply,” Palayer added.
According to Knox News, the city of Oak Ridge, Roane County and the state’s nuclear fund will each contribute $5 million to help cover the cost of the utility preparations for the site.
The announcement in Tennessee comes after President Joe Biden signed off on legislation in May designed to end the import of enriched uranium from Russia. The new law also released around $2.7 billion to expand the domestic uranium fuel industry.
About 12% of the uranium used to produce electricity at U.S. nuclear power plants is imported from Russia, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
“Energy independence will be critical to our nation’s success,” said Senate Speaker Randy McNally, a Republican from Oak Ridge who also serves as lieutenant governor. “The development and expansion of clean and efficient nuclear power is the path to that independence.”
veryGood! (7263)
Related
- Missing Ole Miss student declared legally dead as trial for man accused in his death looms
- Groups work to protect Jewish Americans following Hamas attack on Israel
- Argentina’s populist presidential candidate Javier Milei faces criticism as the peso takes a dive
- Hamas militants held couple hostage for 20 hours
- Jennifer Hudson, Kylie Minogue and Billy Porter to perform at Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade
- Ryan Reynolds Reflects on “Fun” Outing to Travis Kelce’s NFL Game With Taylor Swift and Blake Lively
- Special counsel asks judge in Trump's Jan. 6 case to implement protections for jurors
- Cops are on trial in two high-profile cases. Is it easier to prosecute police now?
- Elton John Details Strict Diet in His 70s
- Filmmakers expecting to find a pile of rocks in Lake Huron discover ship that vanished with its entire crew in 1895
Ranking
- California voters reject proposed ban on forced prison labor in any form
- NHL issues updated theme night guidance, which includes a ban on players using Pride tape on the ice
- Rookie sensation De'Von Achane to miss 'multiple' weeks with knee injury, per reports
- Hollywood writers officially ratify new contract with studios that ended 5-month strike
- Kim Kardashian and Kourtney Kardashian Team Up for SKIMS Collab With Dolce & Gabbana After Feud
- How climate change is expected to affect beer in the near future
- Mother bear killed after charging 2 boys in Colorado; tranquilized cub also dies
- Internal conflicts and power struggles have become hallmarks of the modern GOP
Recommendation
-
Patricia Heaton criticizes media, 'extremists' she says 'fear-mongered' in 2024 election
-
Vessel Strikes on Whales Are Increasing With Warming. Can the Shipping Industry Slow Down to Spare Them?
-
Sam Bankman-Fried thought he had 5% chance of becoming president, ex-girlfriend says
-
California governor signs laws compelling universities to report return of Native American remains
-
California man allegedly shot couple and set their bodies, Teslas on fire in desert
-
Kansas governor announces Juneteenth will be observed as a state holiday
-
Major Navigator CO2 pipeline project is on hold while the company reevaluates the route in 5 states
-
Judge makes ruling on who can claim historic shipwreck — and its valuable treasures — off Florida coast