TVA Takes Major Step Towards Nation’s First Small Modular Reactor

September 16, 2025

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has accepted a construction permit application from the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) to build one of the nation’s first small modular reactors (SMRs). This marks a significant milestone, positioning TVA as the first utility to seek approval for GE Vernova Hitachi’s BWRX-300 design in the United States, potentially paving the way for wider SMR adoption.

Key Takeaways

TVA submitted its construction permit application for the BWRX-300 SMR to the NRC in late May.
The proposed site for the SMR is TVA’s Clinch River facility near Oak Ridge, Tennessee.
TVA has already secured the nation’s first early site permit for an SMR.
The BWRX-300 is a 300-megawatt-electric advanced light-water reactor, a smaller and simplified version of GE Vernova Hitachi’s Economic Simplified Boiling Water Reactor.
Preliminary site preparation work could begin as early as next year, pending NRC review.

A Path Forward for SMR Technology

TVA’s submission is a crucial step in bringing the nation’s first utility-led SMR online. Don Moul, TVA President and CEO, stated that this application will create a pathway for other utilities to deploy similar reactor technology, enhancing energy security and reliability. The BWRX-300 is the only boiling water SMR design currently under development in the U.S. and leverages established supply chains to potentially accelerate deployment.

Project Details and Timeline

The BWRX-300 is a 300 MW advanced light-water system designed for greater safety and efficiency, with a smaller footprint than traditional nuclear reactors. TVA has collaborated with GE Vernova Hitachi and Ontario Power Generation (OPG) to expedite the development of this SMR technology. OPG is also moving forward with plans to build four BWRX-300 reactors in Ontario, Canada, with the first expected to be operational by the end of 2029. TVA anticipates that preliminary site preparation at Clinch River could commence as early as next year while the NRC conducts its safety review. The utility aims for the SMR to be operational by late 2032.

Industry and Regulatory Context

While the NRC’s review is ongoing, there are discussions about potentially expedited approval timelines. However, some experts caution against political pressure influencing the rigorous safety review process. The U.S. Department of Energy supports the deployment of next-generation nuclear power systems like SMRs to provide affordable, reliable, and secure energy. The Clinch River site has already been deemed suitable by the NRC for a new nuclear plant, with capacity for up to four small reactors.