Applied Atomics, Inc., is an advanced nuclear energy company that builds and operates medium-modular nuclear fission plants. The company announced that it will invest $8.2 million to establish its headquarters and technical operations center in New Orleans.
The company is expected to create 41 direct new jobs with an average annual salary of $121,000, which is 79% above the average Orleans Parish wage. Louisiana Economic Development estimates the project will result in an additional 141 indirect new jobs, for a total of 182 potential new job opportunities in the Southeast Region.
Applied Atomics will establish its headquarters at 3333 Chartres Street in New Orleans’ Bywater neighborhood, with an approximately 18,500 square feet facility. Applied Atomics is currently operating from the Newlab New Orleans Beta site while work on its headquarters continues.
“We’re excited about the Louisiana region. A huge energy producer, this is a place where Applied Atomics can fit in really nicely with the existing workforce and future workforce development. We’ve seen how people can really build infrastructure here. There’s a lot of power demand and power needs, but there are also a lot of opportunities for low-carbon power here with data centers coming in and even with existing loads. So, Applied Atomics is excited about coming down and being a part of it,” said Applied Atomics CEO and Co-Founder Ben Kellie.
The Applied Atomics New Orleans headquarters is not a nuclear power generation site, and the facility will not handle, process, or store radioactive materials.
The facility will include an outdoor training and demonstration system known as the Plexiplant, a subscale model of the company’s integrated power plant systems that will operate using steam and electricity. The system will provide hands-on training opportunities for operators and technicians while supporting equipment testing and technical development.
Interior buildout of the offices, control room, and fabrication shop is underway and expected to be completed by the end of 2026. The outdoor Plexiplant training system is expected to come online in the first quarter of 2027, with full training center capabilities expected by the third quarter of 2027.
"We are thrilled to welcome Applied Atomics to New Orleans, where they have chosen to establish their headquarters in the Bywater because of our city's strong culture and workforce talent," commented New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno. "This investment will create high-paying, clean energy jobs at a non-radioactive facility that will focus on nuclear energy workforce training and design activities. This is also an early example of how Newlab New Orleans is helping our city attract innovative, new energy businesses and anchor our STEM-based industry sectors. Our city has always been an energy leader, and this project demonstrates that we are poised to continue leading through the energy transition."
To secure the project in New Orleans, the state of Louisiana offered Applied Atomics a competitive incentives package that includes LED FastStart. The company is also expected to participate in the state’s High Impact Jobs program.
For more information, visit www.opportunitylouisiana.gov
