Westinghouse to Build $1 Billion LEU+ Nuclear Fuel Facility in Hopkins, South Carolina

Westinghouse Electric Company announced on October 21, 2026 an investment of approximately $1 billion to build a new low enriched uranium plus (LEU+) fuel manufacturing facility at its Columbia Fuel Fabrication Facility campus in Hopkins, Richland County, South Carolina.

Next-generation nuclear fuel

The new facility will support commercial-scale production of advanced nuclear fuel with uranium enrichment levels of 5% to 8%, enabling longer reactor operating cycles and higher output. Construction is underway and operations are scheduled to begin in 2030. The South Carolina Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits for the project.

Dan Sumner, President and CEO of Westinghouse said:

“Drawing on decades of our nuclear fuel expertise, we are advancing the next generation of nuclear fuel for the future. Our significant investment in this new fuel factory marks a transformative milestone for our company and the industry.”

Boost for South Carolina

South Carolina Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III said:

“The company’s $1 billion expansion in Richland County marks a significant step forward in our state’s capacity to strengthen national security and drive economic growth.”