Tennessee has a long history of nuclear innovation. From the breakthroughs of the Manhattan Project to the nuclear power research at Oak Ridge National Laboratory to receiving the first approval in the nation for the next generation of nuclear power, the Volunteer State is positioned to become America’s energy leader. Governor Bill Lee established the Tennessee Nuclear Energy Advisory Council in 2023 to identify and remove unnecessary barriers that existed to expanding nuclear energy in the state. Since then, Tennessee has maintained hundreds of nuclear companies and attracted more by being a business-friendly state.
Yet hurdles remain. Even with plentiful sources of generation, from hydro to nuclear, Tennessee’s electricity usage has outpaced its production, with the state consuming about four times as much energy as it generates. Tennessee has experienced significant population growth due to its appeal to businesses, families, and individuals, and this growth is expected to continue. With this growth, industries ranging from automotive manufacturing to advanced tech have flocked to the state, where they survive and thrive on inexpensive, reliable energy. In recent years, the Frontier supercomputer at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory became operational, Elon Musk’s xAI constructed its supercomputer in Memphis, and an Oracle executive stated they’re coming to “position Nashville as a hub of AI innovation.” While Tennessee has long been a home for nuclear tech, these examples show the state is becoming an attractive landing spot for digital tech companies, too. Given population and industrial growth, energy needs are likely to continue to climb across the state. To stay competitive and lead the nation in affordable, reliable energy in the future, Tennessee must continue to harness the opportunities created by its nuclear history.
Unlike other states, Tennessee’s energy landscape is heavily controlled by the federal Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). This presents unique challenges and opportunities. Although state lawmakers have limited direct authority to influence energy policy and generation, that does not mean the state is unable to make important policy decisions. Establishing the Nuclear Energy Advisory Council was a good first step in pinpointing areas where the state can improve its regulatory framework. However, recommendations do little if not enacted. This is why Beacon released its newest report, From Atoms to Algorithms: Position Tennessee to be America’s Energy Leader, by Taylor Barkley, Beacon Center’s Senior Fellow for Technology and Innovation and Abundance Institute’s Director of Federal Government Affairs and Policy Advisor.
In the report, we highlight how the state is experiencing unprecedented energy demand while also poised to leverage tremendous opportunities in nuclear energy. These include:
- Harnessing the state’s authority to approve permits and occupational licenses to prepare Tennessee for the next generation of the nuclear energy industry.
- Clearing the way for new energy generation by updating regulations to match innovative technology, not legacy assumptions.
- Removing government barriers to cheap and abundant electricity by creating a one-stop shop with TVA for permit approvals, complete reciprocity for out-of-state nuclear certifications, and fast-tracking new applicants.
- Advocating for smart federal reforms on nuclear policy.
Tennessee’s rich nuclear history shows the state is a leader in nuclear energy and advanced technologies. With new technology and rising electricity demand, there are now opportunities for Tennessee to not only meet the energy needs of its growing population but also to be a model for the whole country in developing and deploying affordable, abundant energy.