NRC approves construction permit for TVA small modular reactor in Tennessee

ROCKVILLE, Md., Sept 29 — The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) approved a construction permit for the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) to build a small modular nuclear reactor at its Clinch River site in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, which the agency described as the nation's first commercial small modular reactor.^1,2

TVA plans to build a 300-megawatt GE Vernova Hitachi boiling-water reactor to help meet growing regional power demand, the NRC said in its announcement.^1,2

The NRC said the approval completed its review in 14 months and was the agency's second major reactor approval this year.^1,2

"Four months ahead of schedule is what the new NRC looks like," NRC Chairman Ho K. Nieh said.^1,2 "Today's Clinch River decision demonstrates that the new NRC can make rigorous and credible safety decisions that enable major American nuclear projects to move forward."^1,2

Before loading fuel and starting operations, TVA will need a separate operating license from the NRC, the agency said.^1,2

The NRC formally began its review in July 2025.^1,2 NRC staff completed a safety evaluation in June 2026 and found that TVA's construction permit application met all regulatory requirements, according to the agency.^1,2

The NRC held a public hearing in Oak Ridge in August as part of what it called its modernized mandatory hearing process.^1,2

TVA received an early site permit for the Clinch River site in 2019, the NRC said.^1,2