Published: November 4, 2026 |

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Westinghouse Electric said it will invest $1 billion to construct one of the most advanced nuclear fuel factories in the United States at its Columbia Fuel Fabrication Facility in Hopkins, South Carolina.

This plant, which is the first fleet-scale nuclear fuel factory built in the United States in more than 50 years, is expected to lead the way in commercial scale low enriched uranium plus (LEU+) fuel production. Construction on the new LEU+ fuel factory is underway and on track to begin operations in 2030. LEU+ fuel manufacturing at Columbia is expected to enable the effective long-term operation of today’s nuclear fleet and support the industrialization of AP1000® reactors worldwide.

“Westinghouse has been a leader in the nuclear industry for 90 years and continues innovating the next frontier in nuclear technology. As we advance the next generation of fuel, we are positioned to create more value for our customers and unlock new nuclear generation to support the growing demand for baseload power,” said Dan Sumner, president and chief executive officer of Westinghouse.

“The Columbia LEU+ Fuel factory is our largest single manufacturing investment to support the operating fleet and marks a transformative milestone for our company and the industry. By scaling our LEU+ Fuel manufacturing capabilities, we reinforce our commitment to support our customers in producing more nuclear power while creating new opportunities in South Carolina,” added Sumner.

“We are grateful for DOE’s tax credit program and to the state and Richland County governments for their invaluable support, which were key to reaching this historic achievement,” concluded Sumner.

Aligned with the United States’ UPRISE program, LEU+ fuel is expected to unlock advanced operating plant uprates that would provide near-term expansion of nuclear power output nationwide to meet the growing demand for baseload nuclear power. LEU+ fuel, which has a higher level of uranium enrichment (5 percent to 8 percent), also offers the flexibility to extend operating cycles, helping nuclear power plant operators lower operating costs and deliver greater value to their customers. In 2025, the first successful deployment of LEU+ fuel in the United States marked a major milestone. The new Columbia factory builds on this delivery, creating a turning point with the potential to bring this super-efficient fuel industrywide.

“South Carolina is already leading America’s nuclear renaissance, and our state has been producing the nuclear fuel that powers approximately 10 percent of the United States from Westinghouse’s fuel operations in Richland County. 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,” said South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster.

“I welcome Westinghouse’s $1 billion investment in South Carolina because it underscores their faith in our state. Once again, the South Carolina workforce has proven itself to be the gold standard. Not only does this $1 billion mean more affordable power for South Carolinians and people across America, but it will also bring good-paying jobs to the Palmetto State. As a national leader in nuclear energy production, South Carolina will continue to be well-positioned to lead the next generation of American energy innovation and dominance,” said Senator Darline Graham.

“A strong American nuclear industry starts with a secure, domestic supply of nuclear fuel. The Department of Energy is investing billions to restore American uranium enrichment capabilities for both low-enriched uranium and high-assay low-enriched uranium,” said Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Energy Ted Garrish.

“Westinghouse’s nearly $1 billion investment in South Carolina builds on that effort by expanding the manufacturing capacity needed to turn enriched uranium into fuel that powers our existing reactors and supports the next generation of nuclear technology,” added Garrish.

“Richland County has spent years laying the groundwork for investments like this one, and we’re grateful to Westinghouse for this historic expansion,” said Richland County Council Chairwoman and Columbia Area Development Partnership Co-Chair Jesica Mackey.

“Beyond the significant investment that will strengthen our schools and local infrastructure, this new facility will move Lower Richland forward as one of the world’s leading providers of clean energy. Our workforce has supported this facility for generations, and this expansion ensures that we’ll continue to see high-paying jobs and economic stability for years to come,” added Mackey.

The Columbia Fuel Fabrication Facility, built in 1968, is one of the largest nuclear fuel plants in the world, producing fuel pellets, fuel rods, fuel assemblies and fuel components to support other Westinghouse plants and a global base of customers.

The Columbia Fuel Fabrication Facility employs more than 1,200 people in Lower Richland, providing well-paid jobs for people with diverse skills and educational backgrounds. This investment of approximately $1 billion is projected to contribute $4.9 billion in positive economic impact across South Carolina over the next 10 years, including approximately $3.8 billion in Richland County through construction, new equipment and the creation of additional jobs, workforce development, and career growth opportunities throughout the Columbia region, according to an economic impact study commissioned by Westinghouse in partnership with researchers at the University of South Carolina’s Darla Moore School of Business.

As construction progresses on the new LEU+ fuel building, Westinghouse remains committed to environmental stewardship through responsible site development and preservation of native landscapes that support wildlife habitat and healthy air and water resources.

Westinghouse Electric Company is an American nuclear power company formed in 1999 from the nuclear power division of the original Westinghouse Electric Corporation. It offers nuclear products and services to utilities internationally, including nuclear fuel, service and maintenance, instrumentation, control and design of nuclear power plants. Westinghouse’s world headquarters are located in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

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