America’s energy independence makes a giant leap forward as the Tennessee Valley Authority becomes the first U.S. utility to seek a permit for a small modular nuclear reactor, challenging the leftist obsession with unreliable renewables.
Key Takeaways
- TVA has submitted the first-ever U.S. construction permit application for a small modular nuclear reactor at its Clinch River site in Tennessee
- The project answers growing energy demands in the Tennessee Valley region, which needs up to 26 gigawatts by 2035
- Despite leftist environmental groups’ complaints, the small modular reactor represents a reliable, carbon-free alternative to unreliable green energy
- With $350 million already allocated by TVA and potential for $800 million in federal funding, the first reactor could be operational by 2032
- Canada’s Ontario province has started building similar reactors, showing costs decrease as production scales up
TVA Pioneers America’s Nuclear Energy Renaissance
The Tennessee Valley Authority has taken a bold step toward securing America’s energy future by becoming the first U.S. utility to submit a construction permit application for a small modular nuclear reactor. The application, filed with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, proposes building the innovative reactor at TVA’s Clinch River site in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. This groundbreaking move signals a potential shift away from dependence on unreliable green energy sources that have failed to deliver consistent power despite billions in taxpayer subsidies. The TVA, which already provides electricity to seven states and operates three large nuclear plants that supply 40% of the Tennessee Valley’s power, is strategically positioning itself to meet growing energy demands.
“Nuclear power is very reliable, very resilient. It is carbon free. It is, what I would consider, one of the highest quality generating sources we have. And so starting a path forward not only helps others in America follow, but it can also help America lead the world in the new technology,” stated TVA President and CEO Don Moul.
Meeting Growing Energy Demands While Leftist Solutions Fail
The Tennessee Valley is experiencing surging electricity demand due to population growth and industrial shifts toward electric alternatives. TVA projections indicate the region may need up to 26 gigawatts of power by 2035, a substantial increase that cannot be reliably met through wind and solar alone. In response to these challenges, TVA’s board launched a program in 2022 specifically dedicated to developing small modular nuclear reactors, allocating $350 million to jumpstart the initiative. Unlike the left’s preferred energy solutions, which depend on the weather and often require fossil fuel backups, nuclear energy provides consistent, reliable baseload power regardless of external conditions.
The Clinch River site has already been deemed suitable for a new nuclear plant by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and can accommodate up to four small reactors. If approved, the first reactor could be operational by 2032, providing 300 megawatts of power—enough to supply approximately 180,000 homes with reliable electricity. This stands in stark contrast to the sporadic, unpredictable output of wind and solar installations that have received preferential treatment under previous administrations.
Overcoming Obstacles and Liberal Opposition
American utilities have historically hesitated to invest in new nuclear projects due to cost overruns and delays, as exemplified by Georgia Power Co.’s Plant Vogtle. Currently, the U.S. has no commercially operating next-generation reactors, with previous projects abandoned due to escalating costs and lack of local support—often driven by fear-mongering from environmental activists. Predictably, left-leaning environmental groups are already opposing the TVA’s forward-thinking initiative, preferring to push Americans toward dependency on unreliable energy sources that have repeatedly failed to deliver consistent power.
The Path Forward: Learning from Canadian Success
Ontario, Canada, has already begun constructing small nuclear reactors using the same GE Hitachi design that TVA plans to implement. Importantly, Canadian experts anticipate that costs will decrease with each subsequent reactor built, creating economies of scale that make nuclear energy increasingly competitive. This real-world evidence contradicts the tired talking points from environmental activists who claim renewable energy is always cheaper and faster to deploy. The Biden administration, in a rare moment of common sense energy policy, announced a $900 million investment in small modular reactors, with TVA and its partners applying for $800 million of this funding.
While renewable advocates continue to push their agenda, they conveniently ignore the hidden costs of wind and solar—including massive land requirements, wildlife impacts, and the need for expensive battery storage or fossil fuel backups. TVA’s commitment to nuclear energy represents a practical approach to meeting America’s energy needs without sacrificing reliability or environmental quality. By leading this initiative, TVA is positioning the United States to reclaim its leadership in nuclear technology while ensuring energy independence and security for generations to come.
