Latest news with #TennesseeAdvancedEnergyBusinessCouncil
E&E News
21-05-2025
- Business
- E&E News
TVA jumps ahead in utility race for small nuclear permit
The Tennessee Valley Authority asked federal regulators Tuesday to approve its plans to build an advanced nuclear reactor, making it the first utility to do so. Although the Clinch River small modular reactor (SMR) project in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, is still officially exploratory, TVA's Nuclear Regulatory Commission permit application pushes it closer to reality. SMRs are designed to be factory assembled. They have not yet been deployed in North America. 'Submitting the construction permit [application] is a tremendous step forward for American energy innovation and for getting more carbon-free resources online in the Tennessee Valley when industry is demanding more energy and more carbon-free sources of energy,' said Cortney Piper, executive director of the Tennessee Advanced Energy Business Council. Advertisement SMRs are often hailed as the future of nuclear power, promising enhanced passive safety features, cost reductions by developing an assembly line process, and greater flexibility for siting. Silicon Valley is investing in the technology due to its low emissions and potential to power rapidly growing data centers, while lawmakers hope it will provide the 24/7 reliability of nuclear power with a lower price tag.
Yahoo
06-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Tennessee citizens and companies are benefiting from new energy investments
As demand for long-term energy reliability solutions increases, Tennessee has emerged as a key player in the global energy economy. From electric vehicle manufacturing to new data centers, our state has become a hub for advanced energy technologies and investments − and that's a good thing. The advanced energy sector is growing faster than the overall U.S. economy, according to the Tennessee Advanced Energy Business Council's (TAEBC) 2024 Advanced Energy Economic Impact Report. Advanced energy generates a staggering $370 billion in revenue each year in the United States. In Tennessee alone, this sector has generated over $55 billion in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) since 2019. This growth is not only fueling innovation but also creating high-quality, high-paying jobs across the state. Over the last reported decade, employment in Tennessee's advanced energy sector has grown by nearly 30% compared to a 19% increase in total employment across all industries, according to TAEBC. Advanced energy jobs now account for over 14% of all jobs in Tennessee. In Davidson County, there are more than 3,350 advanced energy companies that employ nearly 63,000 people. However, jobs in the advanced energy sector aren't exclusive to residents of our larger metropolitan areas. The state's advanced energy workforcespans all 95 counties, creating a network of skilled professionals and innovators driving this industry forward. Auto manufacturers like Ford have noticed the tremendous benefits of investing in Tennessee's advanced energy economy and workforce, but they're not alone. For decades, Schneider Electric has had an impactful presence here. What began with two operations centers in Davidson and Rutherford counties has since expanded nearly tenfold. Last year alone, we announced an investment of $140 million into a new Mount Juliet hub alongside Gov. Bill Lee in March 2024 to strengthen our U.S. manufacturing capabilities and support critical infrastructure projects. Opinion: University of Tennessee plays critical role in developing the state's workforce Our commitment to expand in Tennessee reinvests in the advanced energy workforce by creating over 1,900 jobs across our facilities in the state. Our Nashville hub is now home to our sales development program, which attracts talent from across the country. We have also developed a range of training programs that train skilled workers in cutting-edge technology, further strengthening our Tennessee energy workforce. As a company, we're proud to be part of Tennessee's transformation into a leading U.S. energy innovation hub, and I am very proud to be contributing to such a thriving community. The advanced energy economy is an integral part of Tennessee's economic future. To ensure this remains the case, we must collectively continue to foster workforce development, collaboration, education, and innovation to ensure that we remain a top destination for advanced energy jobs and technologies. Together, with continued support from state leaders, we can continue to build an energy future that works for everyone and leads the way in efficient, resilient, and optimized energy Chan is Schneider Electric's head of operations transformation and culture, operational excellence and AI North America. Schneider Electric is a global energy company that helps businesses realize their energy efficiency and sustainability goals. Chan also serves on the board for the Tennessee Advanced Energy Business Council. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Tennessee energy investments benefit companies and residents | Opinion
