The United States Department of Energy has announced the selection of the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and Holtec Government Services to support early deployments of advanced light-water small modular reactors (SMRs). This supports the US initiative to bolster nuclear power by strengthening deployment strategies and domestic supply chains. The deal includes $400 million in federal funding to advance projects in Tennessee and Michigan while also expanding framework for future projects.

This news comes less than one month after the US DOE finalized a $1 billion loan to Constellation Energy to help finance the Three Mile Island restart project. Deals like these make it evident that energy security is a top priority for this administration as technology continues to advance. The U.S. Secretary of Energy, Chris Wright stated that “advanced light-water SMRs will give our nation the reliable, round-the-clock power we need to fuel the President’s manufacturing boom, support data centers and AI growth, and reinforce a stronger, more secure electric grid. These awards ensure we can deploy these reactors as soon as possible.”

TVA plans to deploy the GE Vernova Hitachi BWRX-300 at the Clinch River Nuclear site in Tennessee. They also aim to accelerate the deployment of additional units with Indiana Michigan Power and Elementl, an emerging leader in advanced nuclear power deployments. TVA also plans to work with the domestic nuclear partners like BWX Technologies, Duke Energy, Aecon, Electric Power Research Institute, Oak Ridge Associated Universities, Scot Forge, and North American Forgemasters. This will bring many jobs to the nation while growing the energy infrastructure.

Holtec aims to deploy two SMR-300 reactors at the Palisades Nuclear Generating Station site in Covert, Michigan. Holtec is pursuing a path to become a supplier of all aspects of nuclear deployment – from construction, deployment, and operation, to supply chain and power selling. Holtec has been involved with many nuclear projects over the last four decades and with this investment, they will be able to contribute to many more.