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Tennessee is emerging as a key hub for global nuclear energy innovation, with recent investments in the state and a commitment to expand nuclear from the governor.

Backed by the Tennessee Nuclear Energy Fund, East Tennessee is attracting global industry leaders such as Kairos, X-energy, and Orano.

Curtis Roberts, vice president of communications for Orano USA, said the state’s largest-ever investment in Oak Ridge will play a critical role in meeting the nation’s growing energy demands, providing energy security and economic opportunities.

“More than 300 folks are going to be hired by this facility,” Roberts noted. “We’re going to become a very strong employer for the area, and we always watch out for employees. It’s always safety first.”

Gov. Bill Lee requested nearly $100 million for energy innovation in his proposed spending plan.

The U.S. strives to triple its nuclear energy output by 2050, with the bipartisan ADVANCE Act, signed into law last year, which will help build new nuclear reactors. The state has backed the nuclear supply chain, and a new advisory council has issued recommendations. Critics warned uranium projects heighten radiation risks.

The Tennessee Valley Authority said rising energy demands from economic growth and manufacturing require renewed investment in nuclear power and contended energy security is really national security. Roberts points out the uranium enrichment process is one of the steps in producing fuel for nuclear reactors. He added that a lot of the enriched uranium used to make nuclear fuel was mostly provided by Russia.

“Orano is one of the other significant providers, but ours was about 12%,” Roberts reported. “Russia was much, much larger, and so to create a uranium fuel supply free from Russian influence, a lot of activity has to occur.”

Roberts emphasized the need for support at all levels, and the governor said U.S. enrichment will require substantial resources and broad federal support.