More than 800 nuclear energy jobs could be coming to Oak Ridge, Tennessee after an announcement on Thursday that could create the state’s first “privately funded fuel recycling facility”.
Advanced nuclear tech company Oklo Inc. is behind this, and this will mark phase one in the creation of the fuel center.
The company is investing up to $1.68 billion in this venture, which will be used in constructing a facility to recycle used nuclear fuel to establish a “clean, reliable energy supply”.
“Tennessee is well positioned to lead America’s energy independence, which is why we created the Nuclear Energy Fund to support and expand our state’s nuclear ecosystem. We’re proud to partner with Oklo to innovate for the future, while bringing continued opportunity and prosperity to Tennessee families,” said Governor Bill Lee.
Oklo is also involved with the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) in exploring opportunities to advance next-generation nuclear power and fuel recycling.
“The next generation of nuclear technologies are being built and developed right here in our own backyard,” said TVA President and CEO Don Moul. “Our partnership with Oklo represents yet another step forward in shaping the future of nuclear energy and ensuring a secure energy future for the Valley and beyond.”
United States Senators Marsha Blackburn and Bill Hagerty were present at Thursday’s announcement with the Governor, also joined by U.S. Representative Chuck Fleischmann of Ooltewah, who also serves as Chairman of the Energy and Water Subcommittee of Appropriations.
For more information on the project, visit Oklo’s website here.