The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) has received regulatory approval to build a BWRX-300 small modular reactor near Oak Ridge, Tennessee. This marks the first time a US utility has been authorized to construct this specific reactor model, designed by GE Vernova Hitachi.
The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission completed the review process in 14 months, which is 4 months ahead of the original schedule. This construction permit allows work to begin, though a separate operating license will be required before the facility can generate power.
The BWRX-300 is a small boiling water reactor with a capacity of approximately 300 MW. The design utilizes passive safety systems that rely on gravity and natural circulation, reducing the need for active mechanical components and complex electrical systems.
TVA is currently evaluating the potential to build up to four of these units at the Clinch River site. While the project aims to leverage standardized components and factory prefabrication to reduce costs, the final project budget and construction timeline remain undisclosed.
The initiative reflects a growing interest in nuclear power to meet the continuous energy demands of AI data centers. Unlike intermittent renewable sources, nuclear power provides stable base-load electricity, which is increasingly prioritized by grid operators and technology firms.
