NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, Deputy Gov. and Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter and TRISO-X officials announced today the company is expanding its operations in Roane County.
TRISO-X plans to create 1,140 new jobs in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, as the company constructs a new fuel facility and research and development center at the Horizon Center Industrial Park, a Select Tennessee Certified Site. While the final scope of the project is still being determined, the company anticipates investing hundreds of millions of dollars in the development.
The company became the first to receive a license from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to construct and operate a commercial-scale facility for producing High-Assay Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU) fuel in the U.S. This announcement follows that licensing and will allow TRISO-X to develop advanced small modular reactors, accelerate commercialization of advanced nuclear technologies and strengthen the U.S. supply chain for critical nuclear fuel.
Founded and based in Oak Ridge, TRISO-X is a wholly owned subsidiary of Maryland-based X-energy and in 2022, broke ground on what was, at the time, North America’s first commercial advanced nuclear fuel facility.
TRISO-X is the ninth company to utilize funding from Tennessee’s Nuclear Energy Fund. The $50 million fund was in Gov. Lee’s recommended 2023-2024 budget and approved by the Tennessee General Assembly. An additional $45 million was allocated and approved in the state’s budget during both the 2024, 2025 and 2026 legislative sessions, bringing the fund’s total to $95 million since its inception.
QUOTES
“Oak Ridge represents the frontier of American energy independence and cutting-edge research. We are proud to announce additional jobs and investment from TRISO-X today, bringing more than 1,000 new high-quality job opportunities and strengthening Tennessee’s role as a national leader in advanced energy innovation.” – Gov. Bill Lee
“Tennessee is playing a critical role in advancing America’s energy independence, thanks to the leadership of Gov. Lee and our Tennessee General Assembly in establishing the Nuclear Energy Fund. TRISO-X’s investment is a strong example of how that strategy is strengthening our nuclear ecosystem and delivering meaningful results across the state, and we appreciate the company’s continued confidence in Tennessee.” – Deputy Gov. and TNECD Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter
“This is an important step in building a world-class nuclear fuel campus capable of powering next-generation nuclear. Oak Ridge stands as a cornerstone of nuclear innovation, and we are proud to carry its legacy forward with the continued support of the State of Tennessee.” – Joel Duling, president, TRISO-X
“TVA and City of Oak Ridge Electric Department congratulate TRISO-X on its plans to expand operations in Roane County. Working in partnership with the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, U.S. Department of Energy, East Tennessee Economic Development Agency, Roane County, the City of Oak Ridge and our many partners to support companies like TRISO-X furthers our shared commitment to fostering economic growth in the region. This announcement not only represents impactful investment but also the creation of new job opportunities for the communities we serve. TVA is proud to support innovative companies that contribute to the prosperity and vibrancy of our region through job creation.” – Heidi Smith, vice president of economic development, TVA
“The City of Oak Ridge is proud to support TRISO-X and X-energy as they continue their mission in our community and strengthening Oak Ridge’s role at the forefront of the nuclear renaissance. This significant investment marks another major step forward for our economy, our workforce and our future.” – Oak Ridge Mayor Warren Gooch
“Four years ago, TRISO-X became one of the first investors to believe that America’s nuclear renaissance would take place in the Oak Ridge Corridor. Now, TRISO-X is doubling down on its faith in the people of Oak Ridge and Roane and Anderson Counties through a phase two expansion to produce advanced nuclear fuel for our nation’s growing energy demands. TRISO-X is an important member of the most comprehensive nuclear energy ecosystem in the country, and Roane County stands ready to help them succeed.” – Roane County Executive Wade Creswell
“This expansion is another major win for Tennessee. More than 1,100 new jobs will create life-changing opportunities for working families while reinforcing our state’s reputation as one of the best places in the nation to do business. The continued growth at TRISO-X is a testament to our skilled workforce, strong infrastructure and Tennessee’s commitment to fostering economic development in every corner of our state.” – Sen. Ken Yager (R-Kingston)
About X-energy
X-energy, Inc. is a leading developer of advanced small modular nuclear reactors and fuel technology for clean energy generation that is redefining the nuclear energy industry through its development of safer and more efficient advanced small modular nuclear reactors and proprietary fuel to deliver clean, safe, reliable energy that meets the demands of the modern economy. X-energy’s simplified, modular, and intrinsically safe SMR design expands applications and markets for deployment of nuclear technology and drives enhanced safety, lower cost and faster construction timelines when compared with other SMRs and conventional nuclear.
About the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD)
TNECD is the state’s primary agency committed to fostering economic growth through job creation and community development. By attracting new corporate investment and facilitating the growth of existing businesses, the department works to strengthen Tennessee’s competitive landscape. Additionally, TNECD strives to increase the economic prosperity for all Tennesseans by providing grants to communities statewide, helping them to become vibrant, business-friendly environments where companies can flourish. For more information, visit us at tnecd.com. Join the conversation on X, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook and YouTube.
Media Contacts
X-energy
Robert McEntyre
Vice President, Corporate Communications
(240) 673-6565
media@X-energy.com
TNECD
Chris O’Brien
Public Information Officer
(615) 934-5879
Chris.OBrien@tn.gov