Centrus Energy Launches Centrifuge Manufacturing
Centrus Energy, a leading player in nuclear fuel supply, has made a notable leap by initiating domestic centrifuge manufacturing aimed at commercial Low-Enriched Uranium (LEU) enrichment. This strategic venture, unveiled on December 19, 2025, at their facility in Piketon, Ohio, represents a significant step towards revitalizing the U.S. uranium enrichment capacity.
Strategic Expansion
Centrus is harnessing its first-mover advantages in the uranium market, with the announcement marking a pivotal transformation not only for the company but also for the country's nuclear industry. As part of its expansion plan, Centrus targets a backlog of $2.3 billion in contingent LEU sales to domestic and international markets. Additionally, the company is eyeing future production of High-Assay, Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU), which is gaining traction in the industry.
CEO Amir Vexler expressed enthusiasm about this historic development, stating, "We make this announcement after carefully evaluating the business' internal and external progress as well as its future prospects and many competitive advantages." He highlighted the progress in building a robust supply chain, securing low-cost capital, and enhancing internal manufacturing capabilities.
Funding and Contracts
The expansion of Centrus is supported by a mix of public and private funding while fostering commercial agreements. Notably, Centrus is a finalist for Task Orders from the Department of Energy (DOE), potentially worth around $900 million each, for both LEU and HALEU production.
Recently, the company raised $1.2 billion through convertible note transactions in 2024 and 2025 and reported a robust cash balance exceeding $1.6 billion. With $2.3 billion already committed from various customers, the foundations for growth are solid.
Centrus is also pursuing direct foreign investment opportunities, highlighted by a proposed partnership with Korea Hydro Nuclear Power (KHNP) to explore investment in new enrichment capacity in Ohio.
National Security and Job Creation
As the last U.S.-owned large-scale uranium enrichment plant closed in 2013, there is an urgent need for restored domestic capability amid rising global demand for nuclear power. With imports of Russian enriched uranium set to be banned by 2028, Centrus's initiative is timely and essential for national security.
This expansion is projected to generate substantial employment opportunities, contributing around 1,000 construction jobs and 300 positions in Ohio, alongside numerous indirect jobs nationwide. The project's impact will resonate especially in Ohio and Tennessee, where the company has begun hiring to create a skilled workforce ready to support the manufacturing effort.
The Future of Uranium Enrichment
Centrus has committed to employing American resources and technology to reclaim its nuclear leadership on the global stage. Through the production of its AC100M centrifuge, which is already deployment-ready for national security missions, Centrus is uniquely positioned to support critical national security requirements and supply the U.S. energy market.
As the company looks ahead, the first new production capacity is expected to come online by 2029, marking a significant milestone in restoring U.S. uranium enrichment capabilities. With world-class engineering staff and a pioneering commitment to High-Assay, Low-Enriched Uranium production, Centrus Energy is set to meet the challenges of a new energy landscape while securing America's nuclear future.
For more information about Centrus Energy and its initiatives, visit
www.centrusenergy.com.