Tennessee Positions Oak Ridge to Lead Nation’s Next Era of Nuclear Energy

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Governor Bill Lee announced that the State of Tennessee has submitted a comprehensive proposal to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) positioning Oak Ridge as the premier site for a Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus. The project would further strengthen Tennessee’s role in securing America’s energy dominance by supporting DOE’s vision for full-cycle nuclear energy ecosystems that bolster the nuclear value chain by advancing safe, durable, and fiscally responsible solutions.

“Tennessee’s innovation has positioned the Volunteer State as the global epicenter of nuclear energy,” said Gov. Lee. “As our state answered the call during the Manhattan Project and helped shape the course of history, Tennessee stands ready once again to lead in advancing safe, reliable energy solutions our Nation depends on. I’m grateful for DOE’s consideration of our proposal and look forward to continued partnership with the Trump Administration to secure America’s energy dominance, strengthen national security, and deliver long-term economic opportunity for Tennesseans.”

The State’s comprehensive response outlines candidate sites, priority campus functions, and ongoing evaluation of interim and long‑term storage opportunities while further demonstrating why Tennessee is uniquely positioned to lead a Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus.

Highlights from Tennessee’s Proposal:

·       A Complete Nuclear Ecosystem: Tennessee offers the most comprehensive nuclear ecosystem in the U.S., spanning nearly the full nuclear lifecycle, including fuel fabrication, enrichment, reprocessing, advanced separations, and recycling of used nuclear fuel. This existing infrastructure enables Tennessee to meet DOE’s preference for rapid, large-scale deployment.

·       Oak Ridge as the Nation’s Nuclear Epicenter: Anchored by Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and the Y-12 National Security Complex, Tennessee has led U.S. nuclear innovation since the Manhattan Project and continues to drive advancements in AI, quantum computing, isotope production, and next-generation nuclear technologies.

·       Leadership in Next-Generation Nuclear Deployment: The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) has been selected for a $400 million DOE award to advance the Nation’s first small modular reactor at the Clinch River Site, positioning Tennessee at the forefront of new nuclear energy development.

·       Significant Private-Sector Investment: Tennessee continues to attract major private investment, including up to $40 billion in small modular reactor manufacturing from GE Vernova Hitachi, reinforcing its leadership in nuclear innovation and production.

·       Robust Industry and Workforce Pipeline: More than 230 nuclear lifecycle companies operate in the Oak Ridge–Knoxville corridor, supported by strong state partnerships, workforce training programs, and targeted supply chain investments that are creating high-quality jobs.

·       Proven Regulatory Environment: As a Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) Agreement State with more than 60 years of experience, Tennessee offers a predictable regulatory framework, complemented by the Nation’s first fusion-energy regulatory structure and participation in the FAST-41 program to streamline permitting.

·        Strong Legislative Support: The Tennessee General Assembly has demonstrated clear support through Senate Joint Resolution 887, recognizing the economic, strategic, and national security benefits of hosting the Innovation Campus.