Tennessee Valley Authority seeks approval for small modular nuclear reactor construction

In the United States, the Tennessee Valley Authority has taken a significant step by applying for a federal construction permit to build a small modular nuclear reactor. This initiative aims to develop next-generation nuclear power at the Clinch River site in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. The TVA, which serves seven states, aims to address an anticipated electricity demand growth of up to 26 gigawatts by 2035, sufficient to power approximately 15 million homes. In its commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the TVA has already allocated $350 million to fund the small modular nuclear reactors program launched in 2022. These small modular reactors (SMRs) are touted as safer and more efficient than traditional large nuclear plants and are factory-manufactured to alleviate some construction risks. However, investments in new nuclear projects by other U.S. electric utilities have been cautious due to previous costly overruns and delays, notably illustrated by the expansion of Georgia Power's Plant Vogtle. Currently, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is weighing applications from various companies seeking to develop these reactors. Any successful project could commence operations as early as 2032, with initial estimates indicating that one SMR would generate 300 megawatts, sufficient for roughly 175,000 homes. The importance of these developments comes against a backdrop of increasing electricity demand and a shift toward cleaner energy solutions. While there have been recent positive movements in the nuclear sector, contrasted by the regulatory and financial complexities surrounding new constructions, ongoing projects highlight a growing trend towards small-scale nuclear energy generation. Despite the challenges, support from the federal government, including potential funding of $800 million from the TVA and its partners, aims to expedite this budding technology. Meanwhile, critics assert that renewable energy sources like solar and wind power could deliver cheaper and safer alternatives in a quicker timeframe compared to nuclear projects. As discussions continue, the success of this venture could redefine the nuclear energy landscape in the U.S. As of May 2025, confidence in the nuclear sector has been further bolstered by investor enthusiasm around companies like NuScale Power, which specializes in the development of SMRs and has secured contracts for sites in Romania, pointing towards a broader international interest in nuclear energy solutions. They are also navigating similar challenges regarding supply chains and project timelines, emphasizing the necessity for a robust infrastructure to support such initiatives moving forward.