Eastern Kentucky could host the largest nuclear power campus in the United States under a proposal to expand American electricity production and rebuild the country’s capacity to build nuclear plants at scale.
The Nuclear Company has announced Prosperity One, a proposed development along the Ohio River in Lewis County that could accommodate up to six Westinghouse AP1000 reactors.
Together, the reactors would generate approximately 6.6 gigawatts of electricity if fully constructed. The company, which has site control in the area, plans to pursue federal approvals to begin construction in 2028.
It is working with local landowners and community leaders to advance a project intended to bring industrial investment, skilled jobs, and long-term economic opportunities to the region.
A push to build nuclear at scale
The company frames Prosperity One as a response to President Donald Trump’s call to accelerate American energy production. If fully completed, the proposed campus would also rank among the largest nuclear power campuses worldwide, according to the announcement.
“For generations, communities along the Ohio River have formed America’s industrial backbone,” said Joe Klecha, chief nuclear officer for The Nuclear Company.
“We are proud to partner with the community to apply our team’s collective experience to deliver lasting jobs, a stronger tax base, and reliable power for Kentucky,” he added.
Klecha brings 33 years of nuclear experience, including service aboard US Navy nuclear submarines and leadership positions in nuclear fleet operations. He also led construction and operational readiness at Vogtle Units 3 and 4.
The company said its Services division has performed maintenance at more than 40 percent of America’s currently operating nuclear power facilities.
Local jobs drive community interest
Site owner and lifelong Lewis County resident Sam Howard has partnered with the company to advance the development, citing opportunities for future generations.
“I have nine grandchildren, and all of them live in Lewis County. I want them to have the opportunity to stay,” said Howard.
“For years, our county’s unemployment rate has been among the highest in the state. An infrastructure project like this could provide jobs and economic opportunities for generations of Eastern Kentucky residents. I am proud to help advance this development,” he added.
Lewis County is also seeking designation as a nuclear-ready community under the Kentucky Nuclear Energy Development Authority.
County leaders unanimously launched that effort in July 2026. Following public input meetings, they voted overwhelmingly earlier this month to submit the county’s filing to the authority.
Studies and licensing come next
The Nuclear Company is preparing the engineering, environmental, regulatory, and commercial work needed to move Prosperity One toward construction. Initial activities include detailed site characterization, geotechnical investigations, environmental assessments, transmission interconnection planning, and preparation for federal nuclear licensing.
Planning will also address transportation, housing, environmental stewardship, emergency preparedness, and water use, along with other considerations for a development of this scale. The company plans to engage the Nuclear Regulatory Commission through its established licensing processes. Its targeted 2028 construction start remains dependent on obtaining the necessary federal approvals.