Tennessee Valley Authority submits landmark SMR application

The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) submitted an application last week to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission requesting an early site permit for a small modular reactor (SMR) at its Clinch River site.

The SMR would mark a significant step forward in the development and implementation of innovative clean energy technology.

“This submittal is a key milestone for our company, the Department of Energy and the nuclear industry,” TVA Chief Nuclear Officer Joe Grimes said.

TVA’s application creates room for the advancement of four potential SMR technologies that would accelerate new innovations’ entry into the marketplace, diversifying development options in the nuclear energy industry.

“This is an opportunity for TVA to demonstrate SMR technology in a way that will benefit the larger nuclear industry and the country…as well as providing clean, reliable power to the local customers,” TVA Senior Manager for Small Modular Reactors Dan Stout said. “TVA values the options presented by SMRs, which include providing clean, reliable, safe energy for the consumer, and flexibility for meeting future energy demands. By moving forward with an early site permit application, TVA will be ready to implement decisions in the best interests of those we serve.”

Should TVR’s application be approved, the Clinch River site could see an operating plant as early as next decade.