TVA Board Approves $1.5 Billion Capital Plan for Clinch River Small Modular Nuclear Reactor

KNOXVILLE, TN — The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) Board of Directors voted to approve a $1.5 billion capital expenditure authorization to advance the detailed engineering, licensing, and long-lead supply chain procurement for a GE Vernova Hitachi BWRX-300 Small Modular Reactor (SMR) at the Clinch River Nuclear Site in Oak Ridge.

Pioneering Next-Generation Carbon-Free Baseload Nuclear Power

The funding approval positions TVA to be the first commercial utility in the United States to construct and operate a grid-connected commercial Small Modular Reactor, delivering 300 megawatts of firm carbon-free electricity to power expanding regional manufacturing and data center loads across Tennessee, Northern Alabama, and Kentucky. The project will generate over 2,000 high-paying union construction jobs and 150 permanent nuclear operating roles.

TVA leadership affirmed that clean baseload nuclear energy is vital to meet skyrocketing electricity demand while maintaining affordable, reliable power for 10 million Valley consumers.

Nuclear Industry and Regional Labor Perspectives

North America's Building Trades Unions (NABTU) strongly endorsed the project labor framework, securing specialized nuclear craft training programs.

Environmental review boards are coordinating with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) on the formal construction permit application review.

Construction Milestones

Site excavation and non-safety civil infrastructure at Clinch River will begin in early 2027 following NRC environmental certifications.