Largest Nuclear Campus in the U.S. Could Open by 2028

Kentucky is getting a major clean energy campus. A proposed nuclear energy campus in Eastern Kentucky could host up to six Westinghouse AP1000 advanced reactors. If completed, The Nuclear Company’s Prosperity One would become the largest nuclear power campus in the United States.

At full capacity, the campus could generate 6.6 gigawatts of electricity. This is enough electricity to power up to 800,000 homes.

A Local Nuclear Campus

According to The Nuclear Company, it already has site control in the area and plans to work alongside local landowners and leaders. Its goal is to start site development and pursue federal approvals to begin construction in 2028.

“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.”

Klecha brings 33 years of nuclear experience, starting on U.S. Navy submarines and leading operations across major power fleets, including leadership roles at Vogtle Units 3 and 4. His company’s services division has maintained over 40% of operating U.S. nuclear facilities.

Local Support and Next Steps

The project centers on local involvement. Planning will cover housing, transportation, environmental care, water use, and emergency preparedness.

“I have nine grandchildren, and all of them live in Lewis County. I want them to have the opportunity to stay,” Sam Howard, a lifelong Lewis County resident who owns the site, said. “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.”

In July 2026, county leaders unanimously started working toward a “nuclear ready” community designation under the Kentucky Nuclear Energy Development Authority. After public input meetings, they voted overwhelmingly to submit their filing.

Now, the company is starting engineering, environmental, regulatory, and grid planning work while preparing for Nuclear Regulatory Commission licensing reviews to meet its 2028 construction target.