Nuclear energy startup to invest $280M in East Tennessee | Development

The release said that upon completion of the project, the machine will be capable of providing power to military bases and disaster-relief zones.

Radiant comes to Tennessee as a part of the Nuclear Energy Fund, making it the sixth company to locate to the state as a part of the program. 

The state legislature approved Gov. Bill Lee’s recommended allocation of $50 million for the fund for the 2023-24 budget. The General Assembly OK’d an additional $10 million in the state’s 2024 and 2025 budgets. 

Lee has backed nuclear energy projects in recent years and touted the state’s role in the industry during both the State of the State address earlier this year and at a speech before the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce. 

“Tennessee is quickly emerging as the national leader in clean, reliable energy production,” Lee said in the release.

“That’s why innovative companies like Radiant are choosing our state for cutting-edge manufacturing and [research and development.] I’m proud to welcome Radiant to the Tennessee family and look forward to the vital role this company will play on the global stage, producing what will become the world’s first nuclear microreactor from right here in Oak Ridge.”

Tori Shivanandan, chief operating officer at Radiant, said in the release that Oak Ridge’s experienced workforce and history with nuclear energy made it a good fit for the company’s microreactor, along with cooperation with the state. 

The area’s Republican state Sen. Ken Yager, Oak Ridge Mayor Warren Gooch and Roane County officials welcome the project and see it as a key economic development win in the region. 

“This investment will further solidify East Tennessee’s role as a national leader in nuclear innovation,” Yager said in the release. “I’m proud to support this project and look forward to the positive impact it will have on our local workforce and economy.”