WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R. Tenn.) joined U.S. Representative Chuck Fleischmann (R-Tenn.), Senator Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, and Tennessee Valley Authority President and CEO Don Moul in applauding today’s announcement by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) of the selection of TVA and Holtec Government Services to support early deployments of next-generation Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in the United States.

“Tennessee is leading the way to deliver reliable, affordable, and secure energy for the American people,” said Senator Blackburn. “The Tennessee Valley Authority will play a critical part in shaping our country’s nuclear energy future, and I’m thrilled the TVA has been selected for a grant from the Department of Energy to accelerate the deployment of a small modular reactor at the Clinch River site.”

“As Chairman of Energy and Water Appropriations, and Tennessee’s Appropriator in Congress, I have made it my mission to not only expand new nuclear nationwide but ensure that Tennessee leads our nation in developing and deploying cutting-edge nuclear technologies that will create America’s New Nuclear Future,” said Representative Fleischmann. “There is no denying the reality that America needs more power. The only way that we will meet our future energy demands is through a robust ‘all-of-the-above’ energy policy that puts nuclear power at the forefront. TVA and East Tennessee are primed to spearhead the deployment of next-generation SMRs that will fundamentally change America’s energy future. Today’s grant announcement from DOE is further proof that under President Donald Trump’s leadership, we are unleashing American Energy Dominance and ushering in a Golden Age for new nuclear. I also want to congratulate Holtec Government Services, which intends to deploy two SMRs in Michigan, on being chosen for this award. The road to get to today began when Congress passed my historic Fiscal Year 2024 Energy and Water bill to strengthen our domestic nuclear industry, and I commend TVA, DOE, and the Trump White House for their work in making today’s announcement a reality. We cannot slow down in our progress to create our New Nuclear Future, and I will keep working tirelessly as Energy and Water Chairman to continue to build on this phenomenal work that will be the foundation of America’s energy future.”

“Tennessee is quickly becoming the epicenter for nuclear innovation,” said Senator Hagerty. “I appreciate President Trump and Energy Secretary Chris Wright for their confidence in our region. This grant will help advance the nation’s first Gen III+ SMR which is an important step forward for strengthening America’s energy future. It is clear that Tennessee is positioned to lead the next era of nuclear energy. President Trump’s leadership has helped renew momentum in America’s nuclear sector and support the resurgence of our industrial base. I look forward to seeing Tennessee play a central role in shaping the future of nuclear power for the country.”

“President Trump has made clear that America is going to build more energy, not less, and nuclear is central to that mission,” said U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright. “Advanced light-water SMRs will give our nation the reliable, round-the-clock power we need to fuel the President’s manufacturing boom, support data centers and AI growth, and reinforce a stronger, more secure electric grid. These awards ensure we can deploy these reactors as soon as possible.”

“TVA is once again answering our nation’s call,” said TVA President and CEO Don Moul.“Our employees are leading the way with advanced nuclear to power not just homes and businesses, but the technologies that will define America’s future. As AI, data centers, and digital infrastructure drive unprecedented energy demand, we’re building our nation’s nuclear energy foundation right here in the Tennessee Valley. This is about more than innovation, it’s about creating lasting opportunity, lowering energy costs, and securing a better tomorrow for American families today.”

BACKGROUND

• TVA intends to deploy a GE Hitachi BWRX-300 at the Clinch River Nuclear Site in Tennessee and accelerate the deployment of additional units in coordination with Indiana Michigan Power in Indiana and Elementl in Alabama. The effort would also strengthen the domestic nuclear supply chain through planned work with Scot Forge, North American Forgemasters, BWX Technologies, and Aecon. Other partners supporting the project include Duke Energy, Oak Ridge Associated Universities, and the Electric Power Research Institute.

• In March 2025, DOE issued a $900 million solicitation to de-risk the deployment of Gen III+ SMRs, and the remaining $100 million will be awarded later this year to support additional deployments and address key barriers in design, licensing, supply chain, and site readiness.

• For more information, visit the Gen III+ SMR webpage here.