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

September 22, 2025

The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) has submitted 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 marks a significant milestone, potentially paving the way for other utilities to adopt similar advanced nuclear technology. The proposed reactor, a GE Vernova Hitachi BWRX-300 design, is slated for the Clinch River site near Oak Ridge, Tennessee.

Key Takeaways

TVA is the first U.S. utility to apply for a construction permit for an SMR.
The application is for GE Vernova Hitachi’s BWRX-300 design.
The proposed site is TVA’s Clinch River site near Oak Ridge, Tennessee.
TVA has already secured the nation’s first early site permit for an SMR.
Potential approval could lead to construction permit issuance by December 2026.

A Path for Future Nuclear Energy

TVA’s application to the NRC signifies a crucial step in bringing the BWRX-300 design to fruition in the United States. The utility has already cleared the environmental review process for the Clinch River site, having secured the nation’s first early site permit for an SMR. This proactive approach, supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, aims to streamline the deployment of advanced nuclear technologies.

The BWRX-300: A Next-Generation Reactor

The BWRX-300 is a 300-megawatt-electric advanced light water reactor, characterized by its smaller size, simplified design, and passive safety features. It is a derivative of GE Vernova Hitachi’s established Economic Simplified Boiling Water Reactor (ESBWR) design, leveraging existing supply chains and proven components. This modular approach, likened to assembling a "Lego set," allows for more efficient construction and potential deployment in locations not suitable for traditional, larger reactors.

Timeline and Potential Impact

While the NRC conducts a full safety review of the application, TVA anticipates preliminary site preparation could begin as early as next year. The utility estimates that the construction permit could be issued by December 2026, potentially allowing for commercial operation by late 2032. This development is seen as a critical step in enhancing energy security and providing reliable, carbon-free electricity. The U.S. Department of Energy is actively supporting the deployment and export of such next-generation nuclear power systems.

Industry Collaboration and Concerns

TVA’s initiative aligns with global efforts to advance SMR technology, including a collaboration with Ontario Power Generation, which is also deploying the BWRX-300. While the project is lauded for its potential to provide clean energy and economic benefits, some critics have raised concerns about the expedited review timelines, suggesting that political pressure could compromise safety. However, proponents emphasize the inherent safety features of SMRs and their role in meeting future energy demands, particularly with the growing need for power from data centers and electrification efforts.