Latest news with #ClinchRiver
Bloomberg
20-05-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
Tennessee Valley Authority Seeks to Build GE Vernova Reactor
The Tennessee Valley Authority is taking steps to build a small modular nuclear reactor — the first US utility to seek federal approval for such a project amid a surge in power demand from data centers. The nation's largest public power company filed an application to the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission to build BWRX-300, a reactor developed by GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy, according to a statement Tuesday. The TVA is planning to build at a site in Clinch River, near Oak Ridge, Tennessee.
The Independent
20-05-2025
- Business
- The Independent
First US utility seeks permit for a small nuclear reactor
For the first time in the United States, a utility is asking federal regulators for a permit to build a small nuclear reactor. The nation's largest public power company, the Tennessee Valley Authority, announced Tuesday it submitted a construction permit application to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission for a small, modular nuclear reactor. It wants to develop next-generation nuclear power in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, at its Clinch River site. TVA President and CEO Don Moul said that by going first, they can show other utilities a way to accelerate the development of small nuclear reactors. 'Nuclear is very reliable, very resilient. It is carbon free,' he told The Associated Press in an exclusive interview Monday. '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.' The federally owned utility provides electricity to seven states and operates three traditional, large nuclear power plants, which provide 40% of the Tennessee Valley's power. The region's population is growing, industries are replacing fossil fuels with electric alternatives and there's more manufacturing. The TVA is planning for the demand for electricity to increase by up to 26 gigawatts by 2035, which is enough to power roughly 15 million homes. Its board launched a program in 2022 to develop and fund small modular nuclear reactors as part of its strategy to dramatically reduce planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions, and has provided $350 million for it so far. U.S. electric utilities have been reluctant to invest in new nuclear construction because of large cost overruns and delays in Georgia, as Georgia Power Co.'s Plant Vogtle was expanded from two of the traditional large reactors to four, said Jacopo Buongiorno, professor of nuclear science and engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The TVA decision is meaningful because it may be the start of a trend, Buongiorno added. The United States does not have any next-generation reactors operating commercially. The NRC is currently reviewing applications from companies that want to build these reactors to begin providing power in the early 2030s. A project to build the first was terminated in 2023, as costs increased and not enough local power providers signed up to be part of it. This month, the power company in Ontario, Canada, began building the first of four small nuclear reactors. Ontario Power Generation chose the same reactor the TVA wants to build, GE Hitachi's design for a small modular reactor that uses light water like all large U.S. commercial reactors. In Ontario, they're expecting the first to cost $6.1 billion, along with $1.6 billion for equipment to build all four. The cost is expected to decline with each subsequent reactor. TVA's cost estimates are in the same range, Moul said, but he declined to give specifics and said the utility is looking for partners to help with the initial costs. The nonprofit Environmental Working Group says far cheaper, safer and cleaner electricity can be delivered much faster through investments in proven renewable sources like solar rooftops, battery storage and wind power. There's 'no bigger example of a money pit than the fantasy of small modular reactors' as a viable source of energy in the U.S., said Alex Formuzis, spokesperson for the research and advocacy organization. The Biden administration announced a $900 million investment in these reactors last year. The Trump administration also supports building small modular reactors for flexible, reliable power for energy-intensive sectors like industry and data centers as electricity demand soars. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said in March that the $900 million would be awarded, but applicants had to submit new proposals to be judged solely on technical merit, without consideration for past diversity, equity and inclusion practices. The TVA and its industry partners applied for $800 million in federal funding, which they say will help speed up the development of the technology by about two years. The NRC has already said the Clinch River site is suitable for a new nuclear plant. There's enough room for a total of four small reactors. If the NRC and the TVA board approve the plans to build the first reactor there, it could begin operating around 2032, providing 300 megawatts of power, which is enough for about 175,000 homes. ___ The Associated Press' climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP's standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
NRC outlines review process for TVA's Clinch River small nuclear reactor application
OAK RIDGE, Tenn. (WATE) — As the Tennessee Valley Authority seeks approval to build a next-generation power plant at the Clinch River site, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission is walking residents through the application process. The NRC held two public meetings in Oak Ridge on May 6 to discuss the agency's process for licensing nuclear power plants, as the Tennessee Valley Authority is expected to submit a construction permit application for the country's first Small Modular Reactor (SMR) at the Clinch River Nuclear Site. 'A design anchored in reality' Knoxville company one step closer to creating fusion power plant 'Our goal here is to make sure that they are going to remain safe if this project is approved for construction and later down the road, a request for operation, our bottom line always is making sure that the public remains safe when something like a nuclear power plant is built and operated,' said NRC spokesperson Scott Burnell. Since 2023, the TVA has been working with GE Hitachi, Ontario Power Generation and Synthos Green Energy to develop the standard design for a BWRX-300 small modular reactor. In January, the TVA and its partners announced that they were entering the planning phase for the initial construction and design of the SMR for the TVA's Clinch River Nuclear Site. The Environmental Review for the Clinch River project was completed and TVA sent a notification of intent to submit a Construction Permit Application to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). 'Where we're at right now is that TVA has given us half of their application, the environmental part of the information they need to provide to us. We're still waiting for the safety portion of their application. We expect that in a few weeks. And once we have that, we can then really get into our review process, determine whether or not we have enough information to do a full technical examination of TVA's request, and if we get to that point, then there's going to be more public engagement here in Oak Ridge,' said Burnell. Company awarded grant to build centrifuge facility in Oak Ridge He went on to explain that if the NRC decides to accept the full application for review, they will notify the community that they have an opportunity to legally challenge the application. As things continue to move forward, the NRC's environmental review will include additional opportunities for the public to give their input on the issues that they feel need to be addressed. If the application is approved, Burnell said they hope to finish their technical work within two and a half years. 'We're going to work very hard to beat that goal and then come to a final decision on whether or not to issue the permit. If the answer is yes, then TVA would have permission to start building the reactor out of the Clinch River site. And shortly thereafter, a few months later, we expect they would submit another application, this time for a license to operate the nuclear power plant,' said Burnell. TVA reapplies for $800M grant to 'accelerate' construction of Small Modular Reactor To learn more about the project, visit the NRC's website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WATE 6 On Your Side.
