For more than 80 years, Tennessee has played an important role in American nuclear science and innovation.
Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s history dates to 1943
, and the work done there has helped advance nuclear energy, medicine, materials science and other technologies. Today, Tennessee has an opportunity to build on that legacy while addressing the energy challenges facing families, businesses and communities today.In July, the U.S. Department of Energyselected Tennessee as one of five initial states to continue exploring the development of a Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus. The state has identified Oak Ridge as the primary site for its proposal, citing the region’s nuclear infrastructure, research capabilities, skilled workforce and
existing industrial investment.
The timing matters because Tennessee’s energy needs are growing and changing.
As electricity demand rises, families and businesses need an energy system that can keep pace. That means planning ahead to ensure electricity remains reliable and affordable while building the infrastructure necessary to support economic growth and growing communities.
Oak Ridge can help meet Tennessee’s growing energy needs
A Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus could give Tennessee another tool to meet those challenges by building on expertise and infrastructure already in place. By connecting reliable power with research, innovation and new industries, the state can turn decades of experience into economic opportunities that benefit communities across Tennessee.
For Tennessee, that could mean more reliable energy, good-paying jobs, additional private investment and a stronger foundation for future economic growth.
Safety must remain central to nuclear development
Safety must remain at the center of any nuclear development. Today’s advanced nuclear technologies incorporate modern safety systems, including passive safety features. Any new development must also continue to meet federal safety and security requirements overseen by theU.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
New technology can also help us get more energy from resources we already have. About 95% of the potential energy in used nuclear fuel remains after its initial use. Advanced recycling can recover valuable materials to produce new fuel while reducing the amount of material requiring long-term disposal.
The potential is significant. Tennessee’s used nuclear fuel represents energy potential equivalent to 25 billion barrels of oil. A Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus could also support nearly 20,000 jobs.
Reliable energy can strengthen Tennessee’s economy
But what matters most for Tennessee families and businesses is what the investment can mean for the state’s broader energy and economic future.
Reliable electricity is increasingly important to manufacturers, technology companies, defense-related industries and other businesses deciding where to invest. Bringing energy and industry together can help Tennessee compete for those investments while strengthening domestic energy supply chains.
That approach makes particular sense in Tennessee.
According to the state,more than 230 nuclear lifecycle companies operate in the Oak Ridge-Knoxville corridor, supported by research institutions, workforce programs, public-private partnerships and existing nuclear infrastructure.
Tennessee can build on decades of nuclear expertise
Tennessee does not have to start from scratch. It already has decades of experience and an established research and industrial ecosystem. A Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus offers a way to put those strengths to work, supporting reliable energy, good-paying jobs, private investment and Tennessee’s continued role in energy innovation.
Tennessee has helped shape America’s nuclear energy story for more than 80 years. By building thoughtfully on that experience, it can help shape what comes next.
Maddie Milam is the vice president of federal and state affairs for Consumer Energy Alliance, a leading energy and environmental advocate for families, businesses and communities committed to advancing nonpartisan energy policy through affordable, reliable and cleaner energy solutions.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Tennessee is ready for its next chapter in energy innovation | Opinion
