Uranium Enrichment Facility Coming to Paducah and What you Need to Know
A major shift is coming to Paducah, Kentucky: a $1.5 billion uranium enrichment facility is being developed by General Matter, a private nuclear energy company. This groundbreaking project could bring new jobs, long-term investment, and a new era of innovation to our region.
Who Is General Matter? The Company Behind Paducah’s Uranium Enrichment Facility
General Matter is a next-generation nuclear company focused on producing advanced uranium fuel—including HALEU (High-Assay Low-Enriched Uranium)—used in small modular reactors, AI data centers, and modern energy systems.
Backed by Peter Thiel and led by former SpaceX engineer Scott Nolan, General Matter aims to rebuild America’s domestic nuclear fuel capabilities. Their decision to build in Paducah is a signal that our city is once again becoming part of the national energy conversation.
Why Paducah Was Chosen for Uranium Enrichment
Out of more than 1,000 potential sites across 11 states, Paducah was selected by General Matter for several strategic reasons:
Existing DOE infrastructure at the former Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant
A skilled local workforce with nuclear and manufacturing experience
Support from the U.S. Department of Energy, state, and city leaders
Convenient access to river, rail, and road transportation corridors
This site already has a legacy of nuclear energy production, making it a natural fit for a future-focused project like this.
Key Details: General Matter's Investment in Paducah
Here’s what we know about the project timeline and scope:
$1.5 billion in private investment
140+ high-paying jobs
Construction expected to begin in 2026
Operations targeted to begin by 2030–2034 (pending licensing)
These jobs will likely include engineers, plant technicians, support staff, and administrative professionals—all high-skill roles that can benefit the local economy.
Local Impact: What It Means for Paducah
This isn’t just another industrial site. Paducah’s new uranium enrichment facility will bring:
✔️ Growth in local housing demand
✔️ Increased infrastructure investment
✔️ Opportunities for workforce training
✔️ National visibility as a clean energy hub
Of course, big change also brings big questions—about safety, regulatory oversight, environmental impact, and community voice. I’ll be covering those in future posts in this blog series.
What’s Next: Stay Informed as Paducah Grows
I’m starting this series to help locals stay informed about what’s happening at the former DOE site in Paducah. Whether you’re excited, concerned, or just curious—this blog will keep you in the loop.
Location of Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant
Have questions you want answered in a future post? Drop them in the comments or send me a message!
– Jessica Rousseau
Your local Realtor with The Epic Group/eXp giving you all the information about real estate and local events in Paducah, Kentucky
