The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), the largest public power provider in the United States, has taken a historic step by submitting an application for a construction permit to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for the development of a small modular nuclear reactor (SMR). This application, filed on May 19, 2025, marks the first time a U.S. utility has formally pursued licensing for this cutting-edge nuclear technology.

The planned reactor will be built at the Clinch River Site in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, a location already designated as the only approved site in the country for new nuclear reactors. TVA’s initiative aims to address the growing energy demand in the region while promoting a cleaner, carbon-free energy future.

Don Moul, President and CEO of TVA, emphasized the importance of this milestone. “This is a significant milestone for TVA, our region and our nation because we are accelerating the development of new nuclear technology, its supply chain and delivery model to unleash American energy," he said. "TVA has put in the work to advance the design and develop the first application for the BWRX-300 technology, creating a path for other utilities who choose to build the same technology.”

Scott Hunnewell, Vice President of TVA’s New Nuclear Program, was pictured signing the construction permit application in Chattanooga, Tennessee, symbolizing the formal launch of this groundbreaking project.

Small Modular Reactors: The Future of Nuclear Power?

Small modular reactors like the BWRX-300 by GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy are considerably smaller than traditional nuclear plants, designed to generate roughly one-quarter of the output of conventional reactors while operating with zero carbon emissions. The modular nature of these reactors allows for faster construction times and potentially lower costs, making them attractive for utilities facing increasing energy needs and carbon reduction goals.

TVA’s application follows a strategic partnership announced in January with Bechtel, Sargent & Lundy, and GE Hitachi, aiming to leverage expertise in construction, engineering, and nuclear technology to bring this vision to fruition.

Overcoming Past Challenges in Nuclear Energy

Historically, large nuclear projects in the U.S. have faced significant hurdles including cost overruns and delays. Notably, Georgia Power’s Plant Vogtle project encountered major setbacks that fueled skepticism toward new nuclear investments.

The TVA project, by focusing on smaller, modular designs, hopes to avoid those pitfalls. The technology represents a shift toward more scalable and potentially cost-effective nuclear energy solutions.

Support and Criticism from Government and Environmental Groups

The Biden administration has shown strong support for advanced nuclear technologies, as evidenced by a $900 million investment in SMRs last year. This funding is part of a broader effort to decarbonize the energy grid and bolster reliable power supplies for energy-intensive sectors like industry and data centers.

However, some environmental groups remain skeptical. Alex Formuzis, spokesperson for the Environmental Working Group, expressed doubt about the economic viability of small modular reactors, stating, “There is no bigger example of a money pit than the fantasy of small modular reactors.” Formuzis advocates focusing investments on proven renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power instead.

TVA’s Vision for a Carbon-Free Energy Future

TVA’s commitment to the small modular reactor project reflects its broader goals of modernizing the energy grid while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. By pioneering this technology, TVA aims to provide a scalable blueprint for other utilities considering nuclear energy as part of a diversified, sustainable power portfolio.

Construction at the Clinch River Site is expected to create new jobs and stimulate local economic growth while advancing national energy independence.

Originally reported by HT News Desk in Hindustan Times.