‘Energy Park’ project could make Western Kentucky a national energy hub

PADUCAH, Ky. (KBSI) – Big economic opportunity comes to McCracken County Kentucky.

 The future of energy production may soon take shape in Paducah. 

The US Department of Energy has selected Paducah for AI data center development and clean energy infrastructure.

The Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce has been working on a plan for the future DOE Paducah site.

Paducah leaders saying the vision is an ‘Energy Park’ that could put Paducah on the map as a national energy hub.

According to the Department of Energy, Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant is one of the nation’s largest former uranium enrichment facilities and is undergoing extensive preparation for future redevelopment.

Craig Clymer is the McCracken County Judge Executive, he talks about a redevelopment and future based, focused energy, and technology hub centered on the former Paducah gaseous diffusion plant.

“It’s going to take 2 to 3 years to build out some of these things. One of the uranium enrichment companies is going to invest, $1.8 billion in a plant. The other one is going to be, you know, similar, the nuclear reactor, the billions of dollars as well invested in community. All that, along with, you know, several thousands in construction workers in here for years to build it out and then, you know, several thousand employees there and to maintain and operate these facilities, for decades to come” says Clymer.

The site has served as an energy asset. It now stands ready for a second life as a hub for advanced energy research and AI infrastructure.

A piece of the ‘Energy Park’ is an upcoming uranium enrichment plant scheduled to start building in June 2026.

General Matter is one of uranium enrichment plants on about 100 acres of leased land in Paducah, preparation for construction on the site has already begun.

Local leaders say this project would bring lots of new jobs, economic opportunities and improve housing for Western Kentucky.

According to the US Department of Energy the vision of this project ties into federal priorities of strengthening US energy infrastructure and the McCracken County site is the ideal location to do just that.

“It’s going to make, national news, world news, and it’s, good to be sitting here and be able to have something to do with it” says Clymer.