The Tennessee Nuclear Energy Advisory Council has submitted its final report to Governor Bill Lee, outlining strategies to establish the state as a leader in nuclear energy innovation. The report contains 19 recommendations across five focus areas designed to reinforce Tennessee’s prominent position in the nuclear industry. This is an effort to support the deployment of essential baseload energy, which is crucial for the state’s economic stability.
Governor Lee highlighted Tennessee’s role in leading the nation towards energy independence through the generation of reliable and clean nuclear energy. He emphasized that the report would guide Tennessee in meeting rising power demands over the next 25 years. The Advisory Council was formed under Executive Order 101 in May 2023 and was composed of 22 members from various sectors, including industry, education, and government. It was chaired by David W. Salyers, with Jeff Smith as the Vice Chairman.
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The council’s findings indicate that the Tennessee Nuclear Energy Supply Chain Investment Fund has successfully attracted new businesses and expanded existing ones in the nuclear sector. The state already enjoys a supportive nuclear business ecosystem, and public opinion is largely favorable towards nuclear energy.
The Tennessee Economic and Community Development department complemented the council’s work by managing the Supply Chain Investment Fund. Initially funded with $50 million by the Tennessee General Assembly in 2023, an additional $10 million was appropriated in 2024. The fund has facilitated various economic and workforce initiatives, including Type One Energy’s expansion, educational programs at Roane State Community College and the University of Tennessee Knoxville, and Orano USA’s uranium enrichment operations in Oak Ridge.
TNECD Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter expressed confidence in Tennessee’s growing momentum in the nuclear sector, crediting the fund for attracting and expanding companies within the state’s nuclear ecosystem.
The full set of recommendations from the council is available on the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation’s website at www.tn.gov/environment/tneac. Following the report’s delivery, the recommendations are pending consideration by the Governor’s office. The council’s mandate concluded on October 31, 2024.
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