French nuclear fuel producer Orano SA said Tuesday that it may seek minority equity investors to help finance a proposed $5 billion uranium enrichment plant in Tennessee.This week, the U.S. government allocated $900 million to Orano for the construction of the facility. The company said it is still exploring options for raising the remaining funds, which may include equity and debt financing, as well as bringing in potential minority equity partners. Donald Trump The government has provided funding to three nuclear fuel manufacturers with the aim of restarting domestic production in the U.S. and reducing reliance on Russian supplies. This move comes amid a surge in electricity demand driven by data centers and significant pressure on policymakers to curb rising energy bills.State-controlled Orano currently supplies enriched uranium to U.S. utilities through its French facilities. Subject to regulatory approval, the company plans to make a final investment decision on its U.S. project next year, with the Oak Ridge, Tennessee, facility expected to begin operations in 2031.