US EditionTVA Wins $400M Federal Grant for Small Modular Nuclear Reactor | Chattanooga Times Free Press
The $400 million grant supports TVA’s deployment of the GE Hitachi BWRX-300 SMR to enhance grid reliability and create jobs in Tennessee’s growing nuclear sector.
- On Dec. 2, 2025, Governor Bill Lee announced the Tennessee Valley Authority was selected by the U.S. Department of Energy for a $400,000,000 grant to advance a Generation III+ SMR at the Clinch River Nuclear Site, with plans to deploy a GE Hitachi BWRX-300.
- Earlier this year, Governor Bill Lee and the Tennessee General Assembly backed TVA's DOE grant application with budget support, while DOE issued a $900,000,000 solicitation to de-risk Gen III+ SMR deployment.
- A construction-permit acceptance and projected timelines show technical progress toward a 300-megawatt reactor by 2032, with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission potentially approving construction by the end of 2026.
- TVA and DOE will now negotiate project milestones and co-applicant awards, with funding intended to grow a domestic supply chain through work with Scot Forge, BWX Technologies, and Duke Energy.
- As AI and data centers drive unprecedented energy demand, officials point to SMRs as foundational power, with Tennessee attracting $7.3 billion investment and nearly 2,000 jobs.
29 Articles
29 Articles
Tennessee secures $400M federal grant to build nation’s first small modular reactor at Clinch River
Governor Bill Lee announced Tuesday that the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) has been awarded a $400 million U.S. Department of Energy grant to support development of the nation’s first small modular reactor at the Clinch River Site.
TVA awarded $400M grant for cutting-edge nuclear project in Oak Ridge
The Tennessee Valley Authority has been awarded a $400 million grant by the U.S. Department of Energy to speed up the development of the country's first Small Modular Reactor (SMR) at the TVA's Clinch River nuclear site in East Tennessee.
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U.S. Department of Energy Selects TVA to Advance Next-Gen Nuclear Energy
DOE selected TVA to receive a $400 million grant to accelerate deployment of the nation's first Gen III + SMR. The funding supports U.S. energy leadership, helping grow a domestic supply chain and workforce for next-generation nuclear technology.TVA's project will…
TVA selected for $400M federal grant to advance small modular reactor at Clinch River
NASHVILLE — Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee announced that the Tennessee Valley Authority’s application has been selected for a $400 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to advance development of a small modular reactor at the Clinch River Site. “Today’s announcement marks a significant milestone for America’s energy dominance and underscores Tennessee’s position as a leader in clean, reliable nuclear energy to power the future,” Lee said. “…
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