The Paducah GDP produced low-enriched uranium originally as feedstock for nuclear weapons materials and later for commercial nuclear power plants.
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.
Programs
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The goal of the Environmental Cleanup Program is to evaluate and take appropriate actions to ensure protection of human health and the environment.... -
The Paducah Citizens Advisory Board (CAB) provides informed, independent advice and recommendations to DOE regarding environmental restoration, was... -
DOE has been actively pursuing the environmental cleanup goals at Paducah and Portsmouth sites since 1989. After environmental cleanup activities ... -
DOE encourages students to excel in mathematics and science and to pursue careers in these fields, including through efforts highlighted on this page. -
Learn about the Paducah Annual Site Environmental Reports.
Paducah News
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Officials are a step closer to the first land transfer at the Paducah Site for future reuse and economic development. July 22, 2025July 22, 2025 -
Leaders from the Portsmouth Paducah Project Office (PPPO) met with representatives from the Kentucky Nuclear Energy Development Authority (KNEDA) during their first visit to the Paducah Site. July 15, 2025July 15, 2025 -
Progress by the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Environmental Management to drive down risks and build new opportunities for communities and the nation takes center stage at this year’s National Cleanup Workshop. July 15, 2025July 15, 2025 -
A video featuring last year’s safe and successful demolition of a 300-foot water tower at the Paducah Site was recognized as a Gold Telly Award winner for excellence in video production out of more than 13,000 entries from across the globe. July 1, 2025July 1, 2025