Laser Isotope Separation (LIS) Technologies plans to invest $1.38 billion to expand in Roane County, Tennessee. The company will create 203 jobs in Oak Ridge, on the formerly named Duct Island. The project is the third-largest nuclear-related investment since the creation of Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development’s (TNECD) Nuclear Energy Fund.
Upon completion, the Oak Ridge facility, which will locate on the historic K-25 uranium enrichment site, is intended to become the first U.S.-origin commercial laser uranium enrichment plant in the world, supporting U.S. utilities, next-generation reactor developers and national defense requirements while helping to reestablish a resilient domestic nuclear fuel supply chain.
“Selecting Oak Ridge is both a strategic and symbolic decision for LIS Technologies,” remarked Jay Yu, executive chairman and CEO, LIS Technologies. “This community represents the foundation of America’s enrichment capability and the future of its clean energy and national security mission. Our laser enrichment technology fundamentally changes the economics of enrichment, enabling faster deployment, lower capital intensity and long-term cost advantages. With our NRC licensing process underway, we are moving deliberately toward construction readiness and positioning the U.S. to lead the world in commercial laser enrichment.”
“This investment represents more than the construction of a single facility,” said Christo Liebenberg, president and co-founder, LIS Technologies. “It reflects a commitment to restoring a critical domestic capability, advancing peaceful nuclear technologies and strengthening the U.S.’ competitiveness in an evolving global energy landscape. As global demand for nuclear fuel grows and existing supply tightens, the opportunity – and responsibility – to act is clear. This project is a meaningful step toward reestablishing U.S. enrichment capacity and rebuilding the nuclear fuel cycle.”…