Gas Centrifuge
Gas centrifuge enrichment separates U-235 from UF6 gas using high-speed rotors (50,000-90,000 rpm). Dominant method, supplying 55% of global enrichment capacity.
Cascades of 100,000+ centrifuges achieve 4-5% LEU; SWU capacity ~60 million/year (Urenco, Rosatom, CNNC). TC-2B models use 40-50 SWU/kg LEU. Replaces inefficient gaseous diffusion.
Why it matters now
Centrifuge plants expand for HALEU production bottlenecks in 2025-2026 SMR era. Urenco/Orano contracts with data centers signal investor opportunities.