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Tennessee Nuclear Network

Tennessee Nuclear Network [TN²]

The state's official partnership aimed at advancing nuclear innovation, workforce development, and economic growth across Tennessee.
Since its establishment in 2007, ETEC’s 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 [TN²] (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.
  • Public Engagement & Communication
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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.

ETEC's Annual Nuclear Conference

ETEC’s 7th annual NOW Conference hosted 1,000 attendees, made up of experts in nuclear fission and fusion energy, national security, radioisotopes, environmental management, policy, regulation, reactors, and workforce development; 70 exhibitors; and 150 students. The total included representatives from 300 companies across 34 states, as well as numerous industry leaders, federal and state officials, and national trade organizations interested in collaborating with nuclear companies in these fields. The 2 full-day conference and Atomic After Party was held downtown Knoxville in the Oak Ridge Corridor at the Knoxville Convention Center on Tuesday & Wednesday, July 22-23, 2025.

U.S. Congressman Chuck Fleischmann opened the 2025 NOW Conference with a welcome video created especially for the event.

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