Written By JR Robinson

The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) has secured a $400 million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to accelerate the deployment of America’s first commercial small modular reactor (SMR) at the Clinch River site in East Tennessee. This Gen III+ SMR, a GE Vernova Hitachi BWRX-300 model, is set to transform the region’s energy landscape by providing clean, reliable, and scalable nuclear power, with commercial operation targeted for the early 2030s. This milestone places Tennessee as a national leader in next-generation nuclear energy technology and innovation.​

The SMR technology offers significant advantages over traditional large nuclear reactors including modular construction, reduced costs, enhanced safety, and flexibility in scaling capacity. With growing electricity demand driven by population growth in Memphis and the rise of AI data centers and industrial users, the Clinch River SMR can help meet these needs with zero-carbon power that supports grid stability and economic competitiveness. Its deployment also signals a strategic shift for TVA and Tennessee in embracing advanced nuclear solutions as part of a diversified energy portfolio.​

For Tennessee, the Clinch River project not only strengthens its position as an energy innovation hub but also accelerates economic opportunities. The state has already invested heavily in building a nuclear ecosystem with companies attracted through the Nuclear Energy Fund, generating billions in investments and thousands of new jobs. The SMR project is expected to further catalyze workforce development, advanced manufacturing, and regional supply chains, particularly benefiting East Tennessee and Memphis.​

Memphis, situated within TVA's service territory, stands to gain significantly from improved energy reliability and resiliency that will attract more businesses and data centers reliant on stable, low-carbon electricity. By supporting advanced nuclear power, the city can leverage this infrastructure to boost sectors such as logistics, manufacturing, and technology, fostering job creation and sustainable growth for the 901 area.​

Overall, TVA’s Clinch River SMR project embodies a forward-looking energy strategy that balances innovation, environmental stewardship, and economic development in Tennessee. With federal backing and state support, it can become a blueprint for how communities like Memphis integrate cutting-edge nuclear technology to power their future growth and maintain competitive advantage in a changing energy landscape.​