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

September 12, 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 in advancing nuclear energy technology in the United States, potentially paving the way for wider adoption of SMRs.

Key Takeaways

TVA is the first U.S. utility to apply for a construction permit for an SMR.
The proposed reactor is GE Vernova Hitachi’s BWRX-300 design.
The project is located at TVA’s Clinch River site near Oak Ridge, Tennessee.
TVA has already secured the nation’s first early site permit for an SMR.

A Path Forward for SMRs

TVA’s application to the NRC is for GE Vernova Hitachi’s BWRX-300 design, a 300-megawatt-electric advanced light-water system. This reactor is a smaller, simplified version of GE Vernova Hitachi’s licensed Economic Simplified Boiling Water Reactor, designed to leverage established supply chains for faster deployment. The utility has been collaborating with GE Vernova Hitachi and Ontario Power Generation on the technology’s development.

Regulatory Review and Future Outlook

The NRC’s acceptance of the application initiates a full safety review, a crucial step before construction can begin. TVA anticipates that preliminary site preparation work could commence as early as next year while the review is ongoing. The U.S. Department of Energy is supporting the initiative, aiming to enable the deployment of next-generation nuclear power systems.

Advantages of Small Modular Reactors

Small modular reactors offer several potential benefits over traditional nuclear plants, including improved safety, enhanced efficiency, and a smaller carbon footprint. Their modular construction, akin to assembling components like a "Lego set," allows for greater flexibility in siting and can reduce the impact on surrounding communities. Unlike large reactors that may require extensive evacuation zones, SMRs typically have a site boundary as their primary safety zone.

Economic and Community Impact

Beyond technological advancements, TVA views the SMR project as an investment in local communities, creating demand for a skilled workforce for both construction and operation. The project’s success could also serve as a model for other utilities looking to deploy similar technology, potentially bolstering energy security and reliable electricity generation across the nation. While specific cost estimates for TVA’s project are not yet public, similar projects in Canada are projected to cost billions, with expectations of cost reductions for subsequent units.