Global Laser Enrichment LLC (GLE) has begun TRL-6 testing of its laser-based SILEX technology—long seen as the “Holy Grail” of uranium enrichment—at its Wilmington, NC, facility. This breakthrough supports plans for a domestic plant in Paducah, KY, boosting U.S. energy security. As Kapil Kajal of Interesting Engineering reports, laser enrichment could pave the way for “endless nuclear power” through the world’s most powerful laser-based uranium processing. Global Laser Enrichment, LLC writes in a press release on May 7th, 2025:
Global Laser Enrichment LLC (GLE), the global leader in third-generation uranium enrichment technology, is pleased to announce the commencement of TRL-6 demonstration testing at its Test Loop facility in Wilmington, NC. GLE’s testing program is expected to be
a pivotal validation of large-scale enrichment performance under operationally relevant conditions. GLE CEO Stephen Long stated, “The start of our enrichment demonstration program is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and focus of our incredible team. This milestone brings us closer to realizing the full commercial potential of the SILEX enrichment process and is a major advancement in the technology’s readiness. Following an extensive shakedown and preliminary testing period, our team has implemented several engineering and operational modifications in the Test Loop facility to enhance overall performance. We are now focused on iteratively testing and optimizing enrichment, undertaking any further modifications that may be needed, and accumulating data from the enrichment tests to satisfy the requirements for TRL-6 validation. Concurrently, GLE plans to leverage the lessons learned from these enrichment test runs to significantly progress the scaling and manufacturing of our full-scale plant systems and equipment.”All test activities and results of enrichment tests are subject to assessment by an independent engineering contractor, which has been engaged by GLE on behalf of its joint venture owners, Silex and Cameco Corporation.
GLE President and CCO James Dobchuk stated, “GLE’s exclusive access to the Department of Energy’s high-assay depleted uranium tails creates the potential for a domestic, single-site solution for new uranium, conversion, and enrichment production at the planned Paducah Laser Enrichment Facility (PLEF). GLE is fortunate to be able to support our utility allies with domestic supply diversity free from geopolitical and transportation risks. GLE offers an American built solution that, subject to successful deployment, will bolster the diversity of fuel suppliers and technologies in the marketplace and advance energy security for the U.S. and like-minded allies.”
GLE’s commercialization efforts are backed by over $550 million in engineering, design, manufacturing, and licensing investments, primarily in North Carolina and Kentucky. With over 13,000 hours of operation, the Test Loop facility is the world’s only uranium enrichment facility that is not government-owned or substantially government-funded, including those operating enrichment facilities in the U.S. GLE expects to generate hundreds of kilograms of enriched uranium during the TRL-6 demonstration period.
GLE continues to de-risk and advance the technology’s maturation for potential commercial deployment in Paducah, KY through partnerships with utilities, the Department of Energy, and the States of North Carolina and Kentucky. GLE has the only third generation enrichment technology previously licensed by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and is on track to submit the safety report for licensing the PLEF this summer.
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