The State of Tennessee, Tennessee Valley Authority and United Kingdom Expand Collaboration on Commercial Fusion Energy Deployment

September 14, 2026 — Nashville, Tennessee; London, United Kingdom - The State of Tennessee, the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), and the United Kingdom today announced a strengthened partnership to accelerate the commercial deployment of fusion energy, focusing on supply chains, workforce development, and enabling regulatory pathways that support safe and rapid commercial scale-up.

Fusion energy—long pursued as a safe and secure source of abundant power—is rapidly transitioning from laboratory research to commercial deployment. Both Tennessee and the United Kingdom have positioned themselves as early leaders in building the foundation needed to bring fusion plants online.

The collaboration builds on momentum from fusion projects underway in both Tennessee and the United Kingdom, including Project Infinity in Tennessee and the UK Infinity Fusion Consortium, which link expertise from Type One Energy, TVA, Tokamak Energy, Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), the UK Atomic Energy Authority, and partners across the fusion supply chain.

Tennessee’s fusion-specific licensing framework—enacted in June 2026—similarly mirrors the United Kingdom’s proportionate approach under the UK Energy Act 2023, ensuring regulatory pathways that support safe and rapid commercial scale-up.

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee

“Fusion is moving out of the laboratory and into the market, and Tennessee is ready-made to lead the way. Our strong supply chains, skilled workforce, reliable regulatory framework and partnerships with Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the Tennessee Valley Authority position our state to make commercial fusion a reality. We look forward to strengthening our partnership with the United Kingdom to bring this clean, abundant source of energy to market faster.”

TVA Interim President & CEO Mike Skaggs

“TVA is committed to working with developers, industry, and government partners to help bring fusion projects online in the Tennessee Valley, providing workforce and economic opportunities for our communities while exploring this potential future source of reliable, abundant energy. Strengthening collaboration with partners at Tennessee’s world‑class research institutions and in the United Kingdom will accelerate the pathways to deployment.”

Minister of State for Energy, Department for Energy Security & Net Zero (UK), Michael Shanks MP

"Fusion has the potential to provide virtually limitless clean energy while supporting thousands of jobs, attracting investment and creating major opportunities for businesses.

"By strengthening our partnership with Tennessee we’re accelerating the race to commercial fusion, turning cutting-edge research into economic growth and cementing Britain's position as a world leader in fusion energy."

Type One Energy CEO Christofer Mowry

"This powerful, bilateral, public-private partnership weaves together the essential threads of the fusion value chain. It propels both Project Infinity and the UK Infinity Fusion Consortium forward toward commercial deployment of fusion as an industrial endeavor catalyzed by government action. Type One Energy is committed to integrating the best of the United Kingdom's and the state of Tennessee's fusion capabilities into these world-class fusion commercialization projects. Together, we have the workforce, the industrial supply chain, the technology, and the operational experience to firmly establish global leadership in this transformational new source of reliable, secure energy."

U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn

“By strengthening our partnership with the United Kingdom, Tennessee is accelerating the commercial deployment of fusion energy. This combination of American ingenuity and allied strength will deliver abundant, reliable power and high-quality jobs for the people of Tennessee and beyond.”

U.S. Senator Bill Hagerty

“Tennessee remains at the forefront of nuclear innovation, with one of the nation’s most complete nuclear ecosystems. This partnership strengthens U.S.-U.K. fusion supply chains, advances the fusion fuel cycle, expands research and workforce collaboration, and helps accelerate permitting, deployment, and investment—strengthening American energy dominance and global fusion leadership. I’m grateful to Governor Lee and TVA’s continued commitment to Tennessee’s excellence in the energy sector.”

U.S. Representative Chuck Fleischmann

"Fusion energy is fast becoming a reality that can transform our societies and the world. Here in Tennessee, through the foundational support of Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the Tennessee Valley Authority, we have stepped up to build the supply chains and develop a skilled workforce that are essential to achieving fusion power. Now our expanded partnership with the United Kingdom will bring us even closer to commercial fusion. Energy security is national security, and these advancements ensure a stronger, more secure America and Free World. I’m excited for what our two great nations and industries will accomplish together in our shared fusion future.”

Under this partnership, the partners will explore cooperation in areas including:

• Strengthening fusion supply chains and advanced manufacturing in both jurisdictions;
• Development of the fusion fuel cycle, including tritium handling, lithium enrichment, and breeding blanket materials;
• Scientific and technical exchange between ORNL, the UK Atomic Energy Authority, universities, national laboratories, and research institutions; Engagement among utilities, developers, investors, and industrial partners on siting, interconnection, and offtake planning;
• Workforce development, apprenticeships, and talent exchange;
• Coordination on fusion regulation, licensing, and safety frameworks;
• Joint conferences, forums, and activities that support global fusion sector growth.

Contact:

Tom Frey, VP Marketing & Communications, Type One Energy Group Email:  [email protected]