Westinghouse Electric Company is investing approximately US$1 billion to expand nuclear fuel manufacturing capacity at its Columbia Fuel Fabrication Facility in Hopkins, South Carolina. Construction is underway on a new factory designed to produce Low Enriched Uranium Plus (LEU+) fuel at commercial scale, with operations expected to begin in 2030.
The development of nuclear fuel manufacturing is intended to strengthen the domestic nuclear fuel supply chain, support the existing US reactor fleet and enable the wider deployment of advanced nuclear technologies. Westinghouse described the facility as the first fleet-scale nuclear fuel factory built in the United States in more than 50 years.
The investment also aligns with the US government’s efforts to restore domestic nuclear fuel capabilities and meet rising demand for reliable, low-carbon baseload electricity.
New Facility to Expand LEU+ Fuel Production
The new Columbia factory will manufacture LEU+ fuel, which uses uranium enriched to between 5% and 8%. This enrichment range is higher than that of conventional low-enriched uranium fuel used in many commercial reactors.
According to Westinghouse, LEU+ fuel could allow eligible nuclear power plants to extend operating cycles and pursue power uprates, subject to reactor-specific technical assessments and regulatory approvals. These capabilities could help operators increase electricity output, improve operating flexibility and reduce certain operating costs.
The company said the new facility builds on the first successful deployment of LEU+ fuel in the United States in 2025. Expanding production capacity is intended to move the technology toward broader commercial availability.
Westinghouse also expects the fuel to support the long-term operation of existing nuclear plants and the deployment of its AP1000 reactor technology internationally.
Investment Supports US Nuclear Energy Expansion
The project is aligned with the United States’ UPRISE program, which seeks to support increased nuclear generation from the existing reactor fleet. By expanding fuel manufacturing capacity, Westinghouse aims to help utilities access the fuel needed to support higher output from eligible facilities.
US officials have also emphasized the importance of establishing a secure domestic supply chain for nuclear fuel. The Department of Energy is investing in efforts to restore uranium enrichment capabilities for both low-enriched uranium and high-assay low-enriched uranium.
Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Energy Ted Garrish said, “A strong American nuclear industry starts with a secure, domestic supply of nuclear fuel.”
The new factory will provide additional manufacturing capacity to convert enriched uranium into fuel assemblies and other products used in nuclear reactors. Its development forms part of a broader effort to strengthen domestic nuclear infrastructure and support the next generation of nuclear technology.
South Carolina Facility to Support Jobs and Economic Growth
Westinghouse’s Columbia Fuel Fabrication Facility was built in 1968 and is one of the world’s largest nuclear fuel plants. It manufactures fuel pellets, rods, assemblies and components for Westinghouse facilities and customers worldwide.
The site currently employs more than 1,200 people in Lower Richland, South Carolina. The expansion is expected to create additional employment opportunities through construction, equipment installation, workforce development and long-term manufacturing operations.
An economic impact study commissioned by Westinghouse in partnership with researchers at the University of South Carolina’s Darla Moore School of Business estimates that the investment could generate US$4.9 billion in positive economic impact across South Carolina over the next decade. Of that amount, approximately US$3.8 billion is projected to benefit Richland County.
“South Carolina is already leading America’s nuclear renaissance, and our state has been producing the nuclear fuel that powers approximately 10% of the United States from Westinghouse’s fuel operations in Richland County,” said South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster. “We are grateful for Westinghouse’s continued leadership in South Carolina, and we look forward to it expanding its work in our state to create next-generation fuel products that will continue to support nuclear energy production well into the future.”
Congressman James E. Clyburn added, “This investment is a testament to our state’s skilled workforce and the important role we play in strengthening America’s clean energy. By expanding our domestic nuclear fuel production capabilities, we are creating economic opportunities, supporting good-paying jobs and positioning South Carolina as a leader in the nation’s energy sector.”.
Construction Underway Ahead of 2030 Operations
Construction of the new LEU+ fuel manufacturing building is underway, with Westinghouse targeting the start of operations in 2030. The company said support from the US Department of Energy’s tax credit program, state authorities and Richland County helped advance the investment.
Westinghouse has also stated that the project will incorporate environmental stewardship measures, including responsible site development and preservation of native landscapes that support wildlife habitats and local air and water resources.
Once operational, the facility is expected to increase US capacity to manufacture advanced nuclear fuel. The expansion will be an important step in Westinghouse’s plans to support existing reactors, enable potential increases in nuclear generation and supply fuel for future reactor deployments.