Nuclear

TVA approves more funding for advanced nuclear reactors

TVA has now approved a total of $350 million for a potential small modular reactor project at its Clinch River site near Oak Ridge, Tennessee.
TVA approves more funding for advanced nuclear reactors
(TVA aims to deploy a BWRX-300 SMR at the Clinch River Nuclear site. Photo: GE Hitachi.)

The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) Board of Directors approved $150 million in funding to support continued design and development of potential small modular reactors (SMRs) at TVA’s Clinch River site near Oak Ridge, Tennessee.

TVA has now approved a total of $350 million in nuclear funding for the SMR project. The federal utility approved an initial $200 million at its February 2022 board meeting.

TVA is among the investors in GE Hitachi’s BWRX-300 SMR, a 300 MWe water-cooled, natural circulation reactor with passive safety systems that leverage the design and licensing basis of GEH’s ESBWR boiling water reactor.

The BWRX-300 leverages a unique combination of existing fuel that is currently used in operating reactors (and does not require HALEU), plant simplifications, proven components and a design based on already licensed reactor technology. 

TVA is currently preparing a construction permit application for a BWRX-300 at the Clinch River Site. The utility is also exploring additional sites in the TVA service area for potential SMR deployments.

“We believe advanced nuclear technologies will play a critical role in our region and nation’s drive toward a clean energy future,” said Jeff Lyash, TVA President and CEO. “Small modular reactors are an energy innovation technology that America must dominate – for our energy security, which is really our national security.”

The TVA Board also took action to accelerate the agency’s deployment of clean technologies, including 10,000 MW of solar by 2035. The Board approved TVA’s FY25 budget, which includes a rate increase to support sustained growth and ongoing construction of nearly 3,500 MW of additional generation.

Utilities everywhere are projecting increased demand, and TVA is no exception. According to TVA, the region’s population is growing three times faster than the national average. To address the need for more electricity, TVA is investing nearly $16 billion through FY27 to build new generation and infrastructure and enhance the reliability of existing assets.

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