TVA Receives Permit for BWRX-300 Advanced Reactor

KNOXVILLE, Tenn., Sept. 29, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has issued a landmark construction permit to the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), allowing the utility to move forward with the BWRX-300 Advanced Reactor at its Clinch River Nuclear Site near Oak Ridge, Tennessee. This is the first U.S. site to receive such a permit for the BWRX-300, a small modular reactor (SMR) designed by GE Vernova and Hitachi Nuclear Energy.

TVA's achievement marks a significant step in America's nuclear energy future, underscoring the utility's commitment to nuclear excellence and long-term energy leadership. The Clinch River site, strategically located near the U.S. Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory, is poised to become a hub for small modular reactor innovation, enhancing the nation's energy security.

During the signing ceremony, TVA recognized the NRC's evaluation process, which enabled the permit to be issued ahead of schedule.

The Clinch River permit establishes a clear, repeatable licensing pathway for future BWRX-300 SMR applicants, improving predictability, lowering barriers, and accelerating deployment timelines nationwide. The site's strategic location near Oak Ridge National Laboratory places it at the epicenter of America's nuclear innovation, backed by strong community, state, and federal support.

TVA's residential rates are lower than those paid by almost 80% of customers of the top 100 U.S. utilities, and its industrial rates are lower than those paid by over 90% of customers of the top 100 U.S. utilities. TVA continues to make significant investments in its power system toward new generation and transmission, with a focus on advanced technologies.

The BWRX-300 is an advanced nuclear reactor that generates up to 300 megawatts of electricity, about one-third the size of traditional nuclear units. Its modular design allows major components to be built in factories and shipped to the site, reducing construction time, cost, and complexity. SMRs offer passive safety features, smaller land and water requirements, and the ability to be added in phases to meet growing energy demand.

TVA is committed to ensuring the people of the Valley do not shoulder the costs of first-of-a-kind technology that benefits the nation and the world. Strategic partnerships enable shared responsibility, shared value, and shared progress as TVA deploys advanced nuclear infrastructure to meet the nation's energy security and AI dominance goals.