BWXT Advances Plans for Uranium Enrichment Facility in Erwin

The nuclear technology company aims to build a new plant next to its existing Nuclear Fuel Services site.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 11:10pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A highly reflective, metallic cylinder or sphere representing a uranium enrichment module, floating on a clean, minimalist background and dramatically lit to convey a sense of industrial precision and power.BWXT's planned uranium enrichment facility in Erwin, Tennessee, will bolster the company's role in the domestic nuclear fuel supply chain.Kingsport Today

BWX Technologies, a major nuclear technology company, is moving forward with plans to construct a new uranium enrichment facility in Erwin, Tennessee. The proposed plant would be located adjacent to BWXT's existing Nuclear Fuel Services site, allowing the company to expand its uranium processing capabilities in the region.

Why it matters

The new facility would bolster BWXT's position as a leading provider of nuclear fuel and related services in the United States. It also signals the company's commitment to investing in domestic uranium enrichment infrastructure, which is seen as crucial for the country's energy security and nuclear power industry.

The details

BWXT has not yet provided specific details on the timeline or capacity of the proposed uranium enrichment facility. However, the company's decision to move forward with the project indicates it believes there is sufficient demand and regulatory approval to justify the investment in Erwin, which has long been a hub for nuclear fuel production.

  • BWXT first announced plans for the new facility in early 2026.
  • The company is currently in the early planning stages and has not yet submitted formal applications for permits or approvals.

The players

BWX Technologies

A leading provider of nuclear components, fuel, and related services, with a significant presence in Erwin, Tennessee.

Nuclear Fuel Services

A BWXT subsidiary that operates an existing nuclear fuel processing facility in Erwin, which the proposed enrichment plant would be located next to.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

BWXT will need to obtain various regulatory approvals and permits from federal and state agencies before it can begin construction on the new uranium enrichment facility.

The takeaway

BWXT's decision to expand its uranium processing capabilities in Erwin underscores the continued importance of nuclear power in the United States and the company's role as a key player in the domestic nuclear fuel supply chain.