TVA First U.S. Utility to Receive Construction Permit for BWRX-300 Advanced Nuclear Reactor

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The Tennessee Valley Authority Tuesday achieved a nationally significant milestone in America’s nuclear energy future with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s (NRC) issuance of the construction permit for Clinch River Unit 1, a GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy BWRX‑300 small modular reactor (SMR), at TVA’s Clinch River Nuclear Site near Oak Ridge, Tenn.

While no construction date has been announced, TVA is now the first U.S. utility permitted to construct the BWRX‑300 SMR. This is only the second advanced reactor construction permit ever issued in the nation. This milestone underscores TVA’s proven track record of nuclear excellence, safe operations, and long‑term energy leadership.

“This construction permit is more than a regulatory achievement – it's foundational for America’s nuclear future,” said Mike Skaggs, TVA Interim President & CEO. “We are proud to be part of this effort to partner with the NRC, GVH and the Administration to explore the opportunities of new nuclear as we continue to serve the Valley region and the nation.”

During the signing ceremony, TVA recognized the NRC’s evaluation process that enabled the permit to be issued ahead of schedule.

“We appreciate the NRC’s leadership, transparency, and commitment to safe, effective nuclear development as TVA advances next‑generation nuclear technologies,” said TVA’s Chief Nuclear Officer Matt Rasmussen. “The NRC’s strong engagement with the industry is essential to support America’s energy leadership and help build the foundation for the nation’s advanced nuclear future.”

The NRC’s action reflects modern regulatory efficiency, streamlined licensing, and enhanced federal‑industry coordination. The Clinch River permit establishes a clear, repeatable licensing pathway for future BWRX-300 SMR applicants – improving predictability, lowering barriers, and accelerating deployment timelines nationwide.

TVA’s Clinch River site is strategically located near the U.S. Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory, placing it at the epicenter of America’s nuclear innovation. Backed by strong community, state, and federal support, Clinch River stands as a model for the nation’s growing nuclear ecosystem and a pathway for future SMR development.

"Tennessee has the legacy and expertise to lead America's nuclear future, and today's milestone brings that vision closer to reality," said Governor Bill Lee. "The Clinch River project represents the next chapter in our state's legacy of innovation, strengthening America's energy security and creating opportunity for generations to come. I'm grateful to TVA, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and our federal, state, and industry partners whose leadership made this achievement possible."

“America’s nuclear renaissance runs through Tennessee, and TVA’s Clinch River site is a big reason why,” said U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn. “This permit brings TVA one step closer to building one of the nation’s first small modular reactors that will power Tennessee homes and businesses with clean, reliable energy, and I applaud TVA and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission for making this moment possible.”

“The Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s effort to open the door for more rapid technology investment in state and regional industry leaders like TVA is the exact approach our country needs to advance abundant, reliable, and affordable energy,” said U.S. Senator Bill Hagerty. “I have every confidence that through this partnership, the addition of the Clinch River unit will further cement Tennessee’s position as the epicenter of nuclear innovation and unleash energy that powers our state and nation.”

"It was a tremendous honor to stand alongside the visionary leadership of the Tennessee Valley Authority and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission at the signing ceremony for the Clinch River Construction Permit. I have worked closely with TVA, our state government, local leaders, and communities to ensure the Tennessee Valley leads the way in groundbreaking nuclear technology and the revival of American industry that comes with it,” said U.S. Representative Chuck Fleischmann. “TVA is leading the nation in mass nuclear deployment and setting the gold standard for reliable utilities across America. Affordable, clean, and reliable energy powers our economic prosperity and strengthens our national security. It is essential to the American way of life. I will always champion efforts that keep Tennessee and our nation at the forefront of energy innovation and abundance.”

“I am excited to celebrate the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s issuance of a construction permit for TVA’s Clinch River Unit One. TVA cleared a regulatory hurdle that will help future projects move even faster. This is a big win not just for TVA, but for the country, and it’s happening right here in East Tennessee,” said U.S. Representative Tim Burchett. “I am also looking forward to the new jobs that this project will create, and I want to thank President Trump for encouraging the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to update their plan of action, which helped streamline this process. Nuclear energy is national security.”

SMRs are advanced nuclear reactors that generate up to 300 megawatts of electricity; about one‑third the size of traditional nuclear units. Their modular design allows major components to be built in factories and shipped to the site, which reduces construction time, cost, and complexity. SMRs offer passive safety features, smaller land and water requirements, and the ability to be added in phases to meet growing energy demand.

TVA continues negotiations with industry partners to ensure responsible cost sharing and financial accountability throughout design and construction.

“Our priority is ensuring the people of the Valley do not shoulder the costs of first‑of‑a‑kind technology that benefits the nation and world,” Skaggs said. “Strategic partnerships enable shared responsibility, shared value, and shared progress as we deploy advanced nuclear infrastructure to meet our nation’s energy security and AI dominance goals.”