Tennessee pioneers a path to a sustainable future by growing nuclear energy capabilities

Last updated: 2024/08/28 at 10:30 AM

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UT Knoxville at Top 5 in nuclear engineering Build workforce, capacity and sustainability

Having worked in economic development, public service, and now academia, I’ve witnessed firsthand the power of innovation to address the pressing challenges facing our nation.

From my roles as a former Tennessee Commissioner of Economic Development, to serving as president of the University of Tennessee System, to chairing the UT-Battelle Board overseeing Oak Ridge National Laboratory, I’ve seen how strategic investments in science and technology can transform communities and drive economic growth, not just in Tennessee but across the country.

The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) stands as a testament to what visionary leadership and a commitment to uplifting communities can accomplish.

Originally conceived to alleviate poverty in the Tennessee Valley, TVA was one of America’s great adventures into harnessing the power of a major river system to provide affordable energy.

As a lifelong Tennessean, I’ve watched TVA develop into one of our nation’s most innovative energy providers. Operating the nation’s fourth largest nuclear fleet, TVA now produces 43% of the region’s power with affordable nuclear power.

UT Knoxville at Top 5 in nuclear engineering

There seems to be a growing consensus that transforming our power grid will require continued deployment of renewable energy sources coupled with new nuclear power generation.

The Graphite Reactor at Clinton National Laboratory, pictured in 1947. The reactor was configured as a 24-foot graphite cube pierced by 1,248 channels containing 44,000 uranium slugs. Criticality was achieved on November 4, 1943, making it the world's first operational nuclear reactor. Known as the Pile, it was shut down in 1963; three years later it was named a National Historical Landmark. CNL became Oak Ridge National Laboratory in 1948. — The Graphite Reactor at Clinton National Laboratory, pictured in 1947. The reactor was configured as a 24-foot graphite cube pierced by 1,248 channels containing 44,000 uranium slugs. Criticality was achieved on November 4, 1943, making it the world’s first operational nuclear reactor. Known as the Pile, it was shut down in 1963; three years later it was named a National Historical Landmark. CNL became Oak Ridge National Laboratory in 1948.

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has one of our nation’s strongest nuclear engineering programs ranked in the top five in the country.

With cutting-edge facilities and a comprehensive curriculum, UT produces a steady stream of graduates poised to contribute to the effort to expand nuclear power for TVA and the nation.

TVA is exploring deployment of new nuclear power in the form of small modular reactors at its Clinch River site.

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Already one of the safest means of energy generation, the challenge with new nuclear lies mainly with controlling costs.

Build workforce, capacity and sustainability

A national crisis first brought UT and TVA together in Oak Ridge.

From the Manhattan Project to present-day initiatives, our institutions have played pivotal roles in shaping history and driving progress.

Leveraging this rich heritage, we have a unique opportunity to chart a course towards a sustainable future fueled by reliable clean energy and technological advancement.

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As we stand on the cusp of a new era, it’s time for our collective efforts to converge once again. UT, in partnership with Tennessee’s community colleges and colleges of applied technology, are prepared to cultivate the skilled workforce essential to advancing the nuclear industry.

Simultaneously, TVA’s expertise as a nuclear operator positions it to spearhead initiatives like the Clinch River Small Modular Reactor project, demonstrating the feasibility of adding reliable nuclear power to the energy mix that will power our nation.