Tennessee governor pledges support for nuclear projects
The governor of Tennessee has pledged new support for nuclear - including USD50 million for a small modular reactor project, a further USD10 million to attract advanced nuclear technology companies, and funds to develop the nuclear workforce and help set up a regulatory framework for commercial fusion.
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The commitments in Tennessee's proposed budget were outlined by Governor Bill Lee in his State of the State address on 10 February, when he said the USA is "staring down the barrel of an energy crisis with an electrical grid that is on the fragile verge of being completely overwhelmed … So, Tennessee’s ambition to lead in nuclear innovation is much bigger than just competing with other states. This is about securing the future of America."
Lee said the state would provide USD50 million to create a fund to support the Tennessee Valley Authority’s (TVA) Clinch River Nuclear SMR project, which he said demonstrates the state’s commitment to the project. A TVA-led coalition in January applied for USD800 million of federal funding for the development of the Clinch River site, for which it already holds an early site permit.
"We’ve laid the groundwork. We have a willing partner in the White House. Now is the time to develop the Clinch River Site and build the nation’s first small modular reactor on Tennessee soil," Lee said.
A further USD10 million would be invested in Tennessee's Nuclear Energy Fund, which was set up in fiscal 2023-2024 to attract advanced nuclear technology companies to the state, he said. The fund has already "grabbed the attention of America’s most cutting-edge energy companies" and seen East Tennessee become home to "global industry leaders like Kairos, X Energy, Orano - which is seeking to make the single-largest investment in Tennessee history", he said, referring to Orano USA's selection last year of Oak Ridge as its preferred site for a new centrifuge uranium enrichment facility. "And more are on their way," he added.
The budget also includes USD2.6 million to develop a regulatory framework for commercial nuclear fusion power, a USD10 million investment in vocational education to support the development of the nuclear workforce, and USD20 million for the Federal Grant Matching Fund, to support proposals from Tennessee universities and businesses applying for research funding from federal agencies like the National Science Foundation and Department of Energy.
"Tennessee is a top contributor to our nation’s economy because of our willingness to adapt and welcome emerging industries," he said.
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