The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) submitted the nation’s first-ever construction permit for a small modular nuclear reactor, aiming to build one at its Clinch River site near Oak Ridge.
The application, filed with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, proposes using GE Hitachi’s BWRX-300 technology, which produces about one-fourth the power of conventional reactors but with lower carbon output.
TVA calls it a key milestone in advancing U.S. nuclear tech, with plans backed by major industry partners and an $800 million Department of Energy grant application. The Clinch River site remains the only U.S. location with an approved permit for this reactor type.
