The Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant (PGDP) was constructed in 1952 to produce enriched uranium, initially for the nation’s nuclear weapons program and later for nuclear fuel for commercial power plants. The plant is owned by the Department of Energy (DOE), which oversees environmental cleanup activities at the site, including environmental remediation, waste management, depleted uranium conversion, and decontamination and decommissioning. Commercial enrichment was conducted under lease from 1993 until 2013 when operations ceased and the gaseous diffusion facilities were returned to the DOE Environmental Management (EM) program. EM has conducted extensive cleanup activities at the site since the late 1980s and is currently deactivating the returned plant facilities while continuing the aggressive remediation program being managed by its Portsmouth/Paducah Project Office.
Paducah News
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Erik Olds laid out how the two organizations contribute to the U.S. Department of Energy’s priorities during a recent regional business opportunities exchange held by the Energy Technology and Environmental Business Association. March 3, 2026March 3, 2026 -
The Paducah Site is cultivating the next generation of its leaders by linking young professionals with local education initiatives. March 3, 2026March 3, 2026 -
Cleanup at the Paducah Site is advancing thanks to new technology to efficiently scan equipment for uranium deposits as crews deactivate a second former uranium enrichment process building at the site to prepare it for eventual demolition. February 17, 2026February 17, 2026 -
Since work began to prepare the first former uranium enrichment process building for eventual demolition at the Paducah Site, one number loomed large: 497. February 10, 2026February 10, 2026