TVA Seeks Green Light for Nation’s First Small Modular Reactor

September 12, 2025

The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) has taken a significant step towards deploying advanced nuclear technology by submitting a construction permit application to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for one of the nation’s first Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). This move positions TVA as a pioneer in the U.S. nuclear energy landscape, potentially paving the way for wider adoption of SMR technology across the country.

Key Takeaways

TVA is the first U.S. utility to apply for a construction permit for an SMR.
The proposed reactor, a GE Vernova Hitachi BWRX-300 design, would be located at TVA’s Clinch River site near Oak Ridge, Tennessee.
If approved, this could be the first utility-led SMR in operation in the United States.
SMRs offer potential advantages in safety, efficiency, and a smaller environmental footprint compared to traditional nuclear plants.

A Historic Application

TVA submitted its comprehensive 4,500-page application to the NRC in late May. This application marks the beginning of a rigorous review process by the NRC, which will include a full safety assessment of the reactor design before construction can commence. TVA has already secured the nation’s first early site permit for an SMR, with support from the U.S. Department of Energy, having cleared the necessary environmental reviews.

The BWRX-300 Design

The chosen SMR design is GE Vernova Hitachi’s BWRX-300, a 300-megawatt-electric advanced light water reactor. It is described as a smaller, simplified version of GE Vernova Hitachi’s licensed Economic Simplified Boiling Water Reactor, designed to leverage established supply chains for faster deployment. TVA joined a global collaboration with Ontario Power Generation in 2023 to expedite the development of this SMR technology. Four BWRX-300 reactors are already cleared for construction in Clarington, Ontario, with commercial operation anticipated by the end of 2029.

Potential Timeline and Impact

TVA anticipates that preliminary site preparation work could begin as early as next year, while the NRC conducts its review. The utility estimates that the SMR could be operational by late 2032. TVA President and CEO Don Moul highlighted the significance of this step, stating, "This will create a path for other utilities to deploy the reactor — ensuring energy security and reliable electricity for all." The project is seen as an investment in local communities, requiring a skilled workforce for both construction and operation.

Addressing Future Energy Demands

TVA is preparing for a substantial increase in electricity demand, projecting a need for up to 26 gigawatts by 2035, driven by population growth and industrial electrification. The utility has allocated $350 million for its SMR program and is seeking an additional $800 million in federal funding to accelerate development. While the project has garnered support for its clean energy potential, some critics have raised concerns about the potential for political pressure to expedite the NRC’s review process, emphasizing the complexity and uncertainties involved in such advanced technologies.