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Nuclear Opportunities

Tennessee Nuclear Network

ETEC's Nuclear Working Group becomes the Tennessee Nuclear Network (TN-squared)
Since its establishment in 2007, ETEC’s statewide Nuclear Working Group has played a pivotal role in advancing the growth and innovation of nuclear energy within the state.
Starting with just a few nuclear companies in the Oak Ridge/Knoxville area, the working group is now comprised of 90 people statewide representing 50 nuclear-focused private companies, academic institutions, municipalities, State of Tennessee officials, DOE contractors, and national trade organizations, this group has created a robust ecosystem for the development of nuclear technologies.

On July 22, 2025, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee designated the East Tennessee Economic Council (ETEC)’s Nuclear Working Group as the Tennessee Nuclear Network (TN-squared), the state’s official partnership aimed at advancing nuclear innovation, workforce development, and economic growth across the state. Tennessee’s Chief Operating Officer, Brandon Gibson, announced this designation at ETEC’s annual Nuclear Opportunities Workshop (NOW).

Two years ago, Governor Lee signed Executive Order 101 to create the Tennessee Nuclear Energy Advisory Council (TNEAC), which worked for more than a year to position Tennessee as a national leader for nuclear energy innovation and advancement. The newly designated Tennessee Nuclear Network will incorporate the Council’s recommendations and continue the mission of establishing a robust nuclear energy ecosystem in Tennessee.

Key Objectives of the Tennessee Nuclear Network:

  • Promote Innovation: Support cutting-edge research and development in nuclear technologies across the industry.
  • Educate Workforce: Partner with workforce entities across the state who are creating and expanding training programs to prepare future generations of nuclear scientists, engineers, technicians, and tradespeople.
  • Economic Growth: Coordinate with state, regional, and local economic development organizations to attract investment and create job opportunities in Tennessee’s thriving nuclear industry.
  • Collaboration: Facilitate partnerships between industry, government, and academic stakeholders.
  • Advocacy and Regulatory Support: Advocate for policies that support the nuclear industry while addressing regulatory challenges.
The importance of this working 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.
The group meets monthly virtually and in-person in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. They are an integral part of planning nuclear-related events including the annual Nuclear Opportunities Workshop which brings 1,000 plus attendees from 34 states to the region annually to learn about Tennessee’s unique nuclear assets and growth opportunities.

If you are a part of the nuclear industry in Tennessee and want to be a part of this group, email: info@eteconline.org.

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.

Economic Development

The ORCDC works cooperatively with Anderson County, Roane County, and the City of Oak Ridge. This alignment of communities will drive economic development by utilizing the corridor's exceptional technology to advance opportunities in the nuclear power sector and its related supply chain. Click to view a news story about the ORCDC.

Contact: Mike Magill

Oak Ridge Information

https://www.oakridgeedi.org/

Regional Information

https://www.eteda.org/

Valley Information

https://www.tva.com/economic-development

ORCDC's President Mike Magill talks about Oak Ridge being Nuclear Ready and the Creation of the Oak Ridge Corridor Development Corporation.

A good introduction to DOE's Oak Ridge Reservation. And, how the environmental management program is making way for new missions in Oak Ridge.

ETEC's Annual Nuclear Conference

Over 600 people attended Tennessee's premier nuclear industry event, ETEC's NOW Conference on July 30-31, 2024.

Make plans to join us in 2025 on July 22-23 at the Knoxville Convention Center!

NOW, the Nuclear Opportunities Workshop is an event focused on all things nuclear: fission, fusion, radioisotopes, environmental management, reactor technology, fuels, workforce and more. For seven years it has been a place to learn about industry developments, business opportunities, and advancements in research and technologies. Attendees can network and engage with experts from Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and its contractors, as well as a diverse array of small and large private-industry companies showcasing demonstration projects and technological capabilities. This includes interaction with students, interns, and postdocs. Plus, there are opportunities for companies and organizations to promote their services.

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee opened the 2024 NOW Conference with a welcome video created especially for the event.

UCOR created a recap video of the 2024 NOW Conference. Watch it HERE.

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