Paducah in Kentucky was the location of a major uranium enrichment plant, which closed in 2013; the plant is now set to be the site for a new facility.
The US Department of Energy has selected four locations in the country where companies will partner to develop AI data centres and energy projects.
Of these, the administration of President Donald Trump has designated Paducah as a site for the development of AI data centres and energy projects.
Demand for enriched uranium is likely to increase as big tech companies look to nuclear energy to power their AI.
Demand has already been increasing due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and resulting ban on uranium imports.
Plans for the Paducah plant have raised concerns over the lack of oversight and community participation concerning nuclear projects.