Tennessee Selected as Finalist for U.S. Department of Energy Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus

DOE names Volunteer State among finalists to help strengthen America’s nuclear fuel cycle and advance the next generation of nuclear innovation

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Governor Bill Lee announced that Tennessee has been selected by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) as a finalist to host a Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus, recognizing the Volunteer State’s unique ability to strengthen America’s nuclear fuel cycle. The campus could bring billions of dollars in economic investment and create thousands of jobs.

"As the global epicenter of nuclear energy, Tennessee is honored to be selected as a finalist to host a Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus," said Gov. Bill Lee. "Our state answered the call during the Manhattan Project and helped shape the course of history, and Tennessee stands ready once again to advance the safe, reliable energy solutions our nation depends on. I thank President Trump and Secretary Wright for their leadership as we strengthen America's energy dominance and create new opportunities for Tennesseans."

DOE selected Tennessee as one of five finalists to advance in the competitive process to establish a Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus, which would support the development of domestic nuclear fuel cycle capabilities, accelerate advanced nuclear technologies, and reinforce America’s energy security.

“I’m pleased to announce that after reviewing 28 applications from 26 states, the Energy Department has selected five initial contenders to further explore building Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campuses,” Secretary Wright said. “These campuses will be massive generators of economic growth, create thousands of high-paying jobs, and be crucial to unleashing America’s nuclear renaissance. The innovative concept is a direct result of President Trump’s leadership and ambitious directives to restore the domestic nuclear fuel cycle and get America’s nuclear industry growing again.”

Tennessee’s selection reflects decades of leadership in nuclear research, innovation, and advanced manufacturing. In April, the State submitted a comprehensive proposal positioning Oak Ridge as the premier site, highlighting Tennessee’s comprehensive nuclear infrastructure, highly-skilled workforce and strong public-private partnerships that could readily support DOE’s vision for full-cycle nuclear ecosystems that bolster the nuclear value chain by advancing safe, durable, and fiscally responsible solutions.

Highlights from Tennessee’s Proposal:

A Complete Nuclear Ecosystem: Tennessee offers the most comprehensive nuclear ecosystem in the U.S., spanning nearly the full nuclear lifecycle. This existing infrastructure enables Tennessee to meet DOE’s preference for rapid, large-scale deployment.
Oak Ridge as the Nation’s Nuclear Epicenter: Anchored by Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and the Y-12 National Security Complex, Tennessee has led U.S. nuclear innovation since the Manhattan Project and continues to drive advancements in AI, quantum computing, isotope production, and next-generation nuclear technologies.
Leadership in Next-Generation Nuclear Deployment: The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) has been selected for a $400 million DOE award to advance the Nation’s first small modular reactor at the Clinch River Site, positioning Tennessee at the forefront of new nuclear energy development.
Significant Private-Sector Investment: Tennessee continues to attract major private investment, including up to $40 billion in small modular reactor manufacturing from GE Vernova Hitachi, reinforcing its leadership in nuclear innovation and production.
Robust Industry and Workforce Pipeline: More than 230 nuclear lifecycle companies operate in the Oak Ridge–Knoxville corridor, supported by strong state partnerships, workforce training programs, and targeted supply chain investments that are creating high-quality jobs.
Proven Regulatory Environment: As a Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) Agreement State with more than 60 years of experience, Tennessee offers a predictable regulatory framework, complemented by the Nation’s first fusion-energy regulatory structure and participation in the FAST-41 program to streamline permitting.

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