Tennessee was named one of five finalists by the U.S. Department of Energy to host a Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus. This federal nod brings fresh attention to the Tennessee Valley Authority’s role in next‑generation nuclear development.

The DOE program aims to rebuild domestic nuclear fuel‑cycle capacity, speed advanced reactor deployment and boost U.S. energy security. Tennessee was chosen from 28 applications in 26 states and could see billions in investment and thousands of jobs if selected.

The announcement spotlights TVA. The utility recently won a $400 million DOE award to advance the nation’s first small modular reactor at the Clinch River site (a central element of Tennessee’s pitch), and the state has attracted major private commitments, including up to $40 billion in SMR manufacturing from GE Vernova Hitachi.

Tennessee’s proposal centers on Oak Ridge as the anchor, citing Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the Y‑12 National Security Complex, more than 230 nuclear lifecycle companies in the Oak Ridge–Knoxville corridor, and a skilled workforce ready for rapid deployment. The state also points to a predictable regulatory environment as an NRC Agreement State.

Gov. Bill Lee called the selection “an honor,” tying Tennessee’s history from the Manhattan Project to its readiness to support “safe, reliable energy solutions.” DOE Secretary Wright said the campuses would be “massive generators of economic growth” and key to reviving the U.S. nuclear industry.

“As the global epicenter of nuclear energy, Tennessee is honored to be selected as a finalist to host a Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus,” said Gov. Bill Lee. “Our state answered the call during the Manhattan Project and helped shape the course of history, and Tennessee stands ready once again to advance the safe, reliable energy solutions our nation depends on. I thank President Trump and Secretary Wright for their leadership as we strengthen America’s energy dominance and create new opportunities for Tennesseans.”

DOE will continue the competitive process before selecting a final host.