Tennessee Nuclear Network [TN²]
The state's official partnership aimed at advancing nuclear innovation, workforce development, and economic growth across Tennessee.
Nuclear's Impact Across Tennessee
$9B
Economic Impact in the State of Tennessee
40,286
Direct / Indirect Nuclear Jobs
350+
Nuclear Locations in Tennessee
35+
State & Regional Workforce Partners
“Tennessee’s legacy of nuclear innovation positions the Volunteer State to lead America’s energy independence
and drive continued economic growth with safe, clean, and reliable nuclear energy.
By formalizing the Tennessee Nuclear Network, we are reinforcing our commitment to leading America’s energy dominance by creating an ecosystem for nuclear energy companies to invest and thrive,
bringing greater opportunity and quality jobs to Tennesseans.”
- Governor Bill Lee
About TN²
Since 2007, the East Tennessee Economic Council (ETEC)’s Nuclear Working Group has supported the growth and innovation of nuclear energy in Tennessee.
What began with a few companies in the Oak Ridge–Knoxville area grew to 90 members representing 50 organizations.
Then, in July of 2025, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee designated ETEC’s Nuclear Working Group as the Tennessee Nuclear Network (TN²)—the state’s official partnership advancing nuclear innovation, workforce development, and economic growth. The announcement was made by Tennessee’s Chief Operating Officer Brandon Gibson during ETEC’s annual Nuclear Opportunities Workshop (NOW).
Currently the group is growing and has over 135 individuals statewide representing 75 nuclear-focused companies, academic institutions, municipalities, State of Tennessee officials, DOE contractors, and national trade organizations. A robust ecosystem for the nuclear industry.
The importance of this group lies in its ability to address critical challenges and opportunities in the nuclear sector. It acts as a platform for knowledge-sharing, policy advocacy, and strategic planning, ensuring that Tennessee remains at the forefront of nuclear advancements.
In 2023, Governor Lee signed Executive Order 101, creating the Tennessee Nuclear Energy Advisory Council (TNEAC) to strengthen the state’s leadership in nuclear energy. The Council consisted of 22 members from industry, higher education, workforce development, and government, and was led by Chairman David W. Salyers, TN Department of Environment and Conservation commissioner. ETEC President & CEO Tracy Boatner served on the Council.
In 2024 the Council issued its Final Report to help the State of Tennessee move forward with new nuclear generation along with the nuclear workforce and supply chain that sustains it. The Council’s report includes 19 recommendations in five key areas that reinforce Tennessee’s leading position in the nuclear industry and will enable deployment of critical baseload carbon free energy and support for a vibrant nuclear ecosystem that is key to the State’s overall economy. TN² will build on the Council’s recommendations and continue the mission of growing Tennessee’s nuclear ecosystem.
Click here to read the history of the Working Group from Dr. Eric Abelquist’s perspective. These are the remarks he gave at an ETEC Friday Morning meeting on Friday, December 10, 2021.
Governance & Leadership
TN² is orchestrated by ETEC with it's own Executive Committee and four working Committees.
Coordinates policy engagement and regulatory collaboration at the state and federal levels to advance Tennessee’s nuclear industry priorities.
Strategic Pillars & Objectives
Membership Structure
TN² membership is open to ETEC member companies who contribute to Tennessee’s nuclear ecosystem.
Original ETEC Nuclear Working Group experts which includes representatives from:
- Tennessee Nuclear Energy Advisory Council
- State of Tennessee (TN ECD, TDEC)
- Tennessee Valley Authority
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Y-12 National Security Complex, ORAU, UCOR
- Tennessee universities, technical colleges and community colleges
- Private-sector nuclear companies
- Local and regional economic development organizations
Key Partnerships
Statewide Engagement
- Working Committees
- Monthly Meetings (in-person and online)
- Annual TN Nuclear Summit / Day on the Hill
- Annual NOW Conference
Operations & Support
- Administrative Home: East Tennessee Economic Council
- Funding Sources: ETEC Membership Dues & Nuclear Opportunities Workshop (NOW Conference) (Click here for 2025 Recap & photos page.)
Be A Part of Tennessee's Nuclear Future
TN² meets monthly, both virtually and in-person in Oak Ridge. Members play an active role
in advancing collaboration, innovation, and workforce development statewide.
Members help plan key nuclear-related events, including the annual Nuclear Opportunities Workshop,
which brings together over 1,000 attendees from 34 states. If you are part of Tennessee’s
nuclear industry and want to get involved, click below for more information