Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee announced that the Tennessee Nuclear Energy Advisory Council has submitted its final report, which outlines strategic recommendations to position the state as a national leader in nuclear energy innovation. The report, featuring 19 recommendations across five key areas, aims to bolster Tennessee’s nuclear energy ecosystem, enhance critical baseload energy deployment, and support economic growth.
“Tennessee is rapidly becoming the epicenter of new nuclear and leading America’s energy independence,” said Gov. Lee. “Generating reliable, resilient, safe, clean nuclear energy is necessary to meet increasing power needs while promoting economic growth and prosperity across Tennessee. This report will guide our efforts to effectively address growing power demand over the next 25 years.”
The council, established by Executive Order 101 in May 2023, comprises 22 members from industry, academia, workforce development, and government. Led by Chairman David W. Salyers, commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, and Vice Chairman Jeff Smith, vice president for National Laboratories at the University of Tennessee, the council collaborated with experts, officials, and organizations to produce its findings.
Key observations from the council’s work include:
- The success of the Tennessee Nuclear Energy Supply Chain Investment Fund in attracting and expanding nuclear-related companies.
- The state’s robust ecosystem of nuclear businesses and organizations, fostering innovation and development.
- Strong public support for nuclear energy in Tennessee, offering a distinct advantage for future projects.
Gov. Lee emphasized that these efforts are critical to ensuring energy reliability and economic progress, reinforcing Tennessee’s role as a leader in the nuclear industry.