Tennessee Nuclear Network [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).

The expansion into the Tennessee Nuclear Network forms an even more diverse coalition of leaders in industry, research, academia, and government, dedicated to strengthening Tennessee’s position as a global hub for advanced nuclear.

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.

Click here to read the article in The Oak Ridger generated from the press release.