- Increased Interest in SMRs: The U.S. is experiencing a surge in interest for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), with major companies like TVA, GE Hitachi, and Duke Energy seeking federal funding to accelerate deployment, including a coalition applying for $800 million from the DOE’s Generation III+ SMR program.
- SMR Projects Nationwide: TVA’s Clinch River site in Tennessee is a focal point for SMR deployment, aiming for commercial operations by 2033, while other companies like Duke Energy and AEP are advancing their own SMR projects, receiving support through federal funding for early-stage development.
- New York’s Nuclear Push: New York is also pushing for SMR development, with Governor Hochul announcing a master plan for advanced nuclear, including collaboration with Constellation Energy to explore adding advanced reactors at the Nine Mile Point Clean Energy Center, highlighting the state’s commitment to clean energy and economic growth.
In the last couple of years there has been a steep increase of interest for small modular reactors in the United States. Recently, a coalition led by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), which includes major players like GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GEH), Bechtel, BWX Technologies, and Duke Energy, is applying for $800 million in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Generation III+ Small Modular Reactor (SMR) program.
This initiative aims to accelerate the deployment of advanced nuclear technologies, particularly small modular reactors, in the U.S. As part of the coalition, TVA is focused on deploying SMRs at the Clinch River site near Oak Ridge, Tennessee. With an early site permit already in place, TVA hopes the funding will speed up construction, allowing commercial operations to begin by 2033. This funding is expected to not only support TVA’s project but also help develop a robust domestic supply chain for SMR production and deployment across the country.
Scott Strazik, CEO of GE Vernova, GEH’s parent company, emphasized that funding would be pivotal in advancing clean energy goals and ensuring energy security. The Generation III+ SMR program seeks to facilitate the development of nuclear reactors that are smaller, more efficient, and capable of being factory-fabricated. These reactors would produce between 50 and 350 MWe of electrical power, while also offering improved safety, security, and environmental benefits over traditional large-scale nuclear plants.
Other partners in the coalition, including Duke Energy and American Electric Power (AEP), are also advancing SMR plans. Duke Energy, in collaboration with GEH, is investing in the standard design and licensing of the BWRX-300, a next-generation reactor that could play a key role in the company’s long-term energy strategy. The partnership will foster innovation and contribute to advancing SMR technology in the U.S.
American Electric Power’s Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) has applied for $50 million in DOE funding to support the early stages of SMR development at the Rockport site in Indiana. Additionally, AEP’s Appalachian Power has submitted a separate grant request for $35 million to advance early permitting efforts for an SMR project at Joshua Falls in Virginia. Local officials have expressed strong support for both initiatives, which promise to create jobs, improve local economies, and strengthen educational opportunities in energy sectors.
Other states and companies in the United States are directing their efforts towards SMR technology development. New York Governor Kathy Hochul has announced a master plan for advanced nuclear development. This plan, guided by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), includes collaboration with Constellation Energy on a grant proposal to explore the addition of advanced nuclear reactors at the Nine Mile Point Clean Energy Center. The proposal seeks federal funding to secure an early site permit for the facility, marking a critical step in advancing nuclear energy in the state. The state’s efforts align with its ongoing commitment to clean energy and economic growth, with nuclear energy already contributing over 20% to New York’s electricity supply.
These efforts are part of a broader national push to develop advanced nuclear technologies, which are seen as crucial to achieving a cleaner, more secure energy future. The DOE’s funding program is expected to help overcome challenges in SMR deployment, accelerate innovation, and establish a sustainable energy supply chain for the U.S.
