Alert

Due to a lapse in appropriations, the NRC has ceased normal operations. However, excepted and exempted activities necessary to maintain critical health and safety functions—as well as essential progress on designated critical activities, including those specified in Executive Order 14300—will continue, consistent with the OMB-Approved NRC Lapse Plan.

Uranium enrichment process

The process of increasing the percentage of uranium-235 (U-235) from 0.7 percent in natural uranium to about 3 to 5 percent for use in fuel for nuclear reactors. Enrichment can be done through gaseous diffusion, gas centrifuges, or laser isotope separation. In May 2013, the last remaining U.S. operating gaseous diffusion plant in Paducah, KY, shut down. A similar plant near Piketon, OH, was closed in March 2001. Another plant in Oak Ridge, TN, closed years ago and was not regulated by the NRC.

Page Last Reviewed/Updated Wednesday, February 15, 2023