Aternium is moving forward with plans to build its first commercial heavy water and electrolytic hydrogen production facility in Dover, Delaware, marking a major push to establish a secure US supply of a critical material used across advanced industries.
The company has selected a site at Garrison Oak Technical Park and finalized a definitive agreement of sale, with closing expected in mid-fourth quarter 2026. The flagship US facility is expected to deliver at least $226 million in capital investment, create dozens of direct and support jobs, and generate hundreds of construction jobs.
The project will produce heavy water — also known as deuterium oxide — and high-purity hydrogen, supporting industries including semiconductors, nuclear energy, pharmaceuticals, advanced electronics, defense, and emerging fusion technologies.
“Delaware has long been home to some of the most innovative companies in American history, and Aternium is building on that legacy by choosing Dover for its first hydrogen facility,” said Governor Matt Meyer.
“This investment puts Delaware at the forefront of the next generation of energy and advanced manufacturing. By producing deuterium, one of the world’s most critical materials for semiconductors, nuclear reactors, fusion energy, and pharmaceuticals, Aternium will become one of, if not the only, domestic producer of this essential resource. We’re proud of the work Andrew Cottone and the Aternium team are doing, and even prouder that they’re building the future right here in Delaware.”
The facility comes as the United States seeks to reduce dependence on foreign sources for deuterium, a strategic material with growing importance for national security, energy resilience, and advanced manufacturing. The country currently lacks commercial-scale domestic heavy water production, leaving key industries reliant on overseas suppliers.
“Delaware is a place where innovation and ideas become steel in the ground and jobs that you can build a good life with,” said Senator Coons. “Aternium is continuing that legacy, bringing their cutting-edge technology to Dover that will grow our economy and create good-paying jobs. I’m grateful for their partnership and the leadership of the City of Dover in bringing this exciting project to life.”
The Dover development is expected to become the first site in a broader network of Aternium production facilities planned across the Mid-Atlantic region, with future expansion targeted in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware.
“Delaware has long been a place where innovation and manufacturing go hand in hand, and Aternium’s decision to invest in Dover is a testament to our state’s leadership in both,” said US Representative Sarah McBride. “This project will help create good-paying jobs in our state, strengthen critical domestic supply chains, and help continue Delaware’s leadership in the industries driving America’s future. I’m excited to welcome Aternium to the First State.”
Dover officials said the project highlights the city’s growing role as a hub for advanced manufacturing and technology-driven investment.
“Aternium’s decision to establish its first US production facility in Dover is a defining moment for our city,” said Mayor Robin R. Christiansen. “This project reflects the confidence innovative companies have in Dover and reinforces our city’s growing role in advanced manufacturing. We are proud to welcome Aternium and look forward to the positive impact this project will have on our community for years to come.”
Aternium Founder and CEO Andrew Cottone said the facility will play a key role in rebuilding a domestic supply chain for a material considered vital to future technologies.
“Dover is the right location to launch Aternium’s vision for rebuilding a critical American supply chain. This facility will help secure domestic access to an essential strategic material, create high-quality careers, support advanced manufacturing, and reinforce America’s leadership in energy, technology, and national security.”
The company is continuing engineering, permitting, and stakeholder engagement efforts as the project advances toward construction and operation. Aternium said its development strategy supports national priorities focused on energy security, domestic manufacturing capacity, critical materials independence, and next-generation industrial infrastructure.
“Aternium’s decision to locate its first production facility in Dover is a major win for Central Delaware,” said Linda Parkowski, Executive Director of Kent Economic Partnership.
“This project is a testament to what can be accomplished through strong collaboration between the private sector and our local and state partners. We are proud to have supported Aternium throughout this process and look forward to the creation of high-quality, well-paying jobs and the positive economic impact this investment will bring to our community.”
