BWX Technologies Awarded $1.5 Billion Contract to Rebuild Domestic Uranium Enrichment for Defense

Nuclear solutions provider to construct centrifuge manufacturing pilot plant in Tennessee to support U.S. naval reactors

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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BWX Technologies, a nuclear solutions provider, has been awarded a $1.5 billion contract from the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) to help establish a domestic supply of enriched uranium for U.S. defense needs. Under the contract, BWXT will construct a uranium-enrichment centrifuge manufacturing pilot plant in Oak Ridge, Tennessee to produce low- and highly-enriched uranium exclusively for naval reactors.

Why it matters

The United States halted domestic production of enriched uranium in 1992, leaving the country reliant on foreign sources for this critical material used to power naval nuclear reactors. This contract aims to restore U.S. sovereignty and control over the production of enriched uranium for national security purposes.

The details

BWXT will design the manufacturing facility, obtain required permits, procure long-lead materials, and oversee plant operations. The pilot plant is expected to employ around 100 workers when fully operational, with additional hiring anticipated after ramp-up and testing phases. Initially, the facility will demonstrate production of low-enriched uranium before being repurposed to produce highly enriched uranium for naval propulsion.

  • BWXT announced the $1.5 billion contract on September 17, 2026.
  • Construction on the pilot plant in Oak Ridge, Tennessee began in June 2026.

The players

BWX Technologies (BWXT)

A nuclear solutions provider based in Lynchburg, Virginia that has been awarded the contract to construct a uranium-enrichment centrifuge manufacturing pilot plant in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.

National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)

A semi-autonomous agency within the U.S. Department of Energy that awarded the $1.5 billion contract to BWXT to help establish a domestic supply of enriched uranium for U.S. defense needs.

Oak Ridge National Laboratory

The U.S. Department of Energy's largest science and energy laboratory, which will collaborate with BWXT to advance the restoration of enrichment capabilities.

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What they’re saying

“NNSA's selection of BWXT for this project acknowledges our long-standing role as a trusted partner in advancing the nation's nuclear defense mission. Once operational, both facilities will enable us to scale manufacturing so the United States maintains sovereign capability to produce vital nuclear materials for national security.”

— Rex D. Geveden, President and CEO, BWXT (yournews.com)

What’s next

The pilot plant in Oak Ridge is expected to initially demonstrate production of low-enriched uranium before being repurposed to produce highly enriched uranium for naval propulsion.

The takeaway

This contract represents a critical step in restoring U.S. self-sufficiency in the production of enriched uranium, a key component for powering the Navy's nuclear-powered submarines and aircraft carriers. By rebuilding domestic enrichment capabilities, the U.S. can reduce reliance on foreign sources and strengthen its national security.