When the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, the city of Oak Ridge, Tennessee, did not exist. Then, in an effort to end World War II, the U.S. government purchased rural farmland in 1941 and rapidly built the city as part of one of the most significant scientific and military undertakings in history—the Manhattan Project. The thousands employed across Oak Ridge operated with a shared mission of enriching uranium for use in the first atomic bombs developed around the world.
Less than three years later, the “Secret City” jumped to a population of 75,000, making it, at the time, the fifth-largest city in the Volunteer State. So, why Oak Ridge for a project like this? The area’s rural location, population size and significant amounts of electricity, which could be found at the Tennessee Valley Authority hydroelectric plant at Norris Dam, ultimately sealed the deal. From these extraordinary origins, the city has grown into a leading center for scientific research, energy innovation and advanced manufacturing.
Photo: ORNL
Oak Ridge National Laboratory Carries Tradition
An integral part of Oak Ridge’s legacy is the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), which was established in 1943 as part of the Manhattan Project, and today, is the largest Department of Energy science and energy laboratory in the country.
Originally designed to produce plutonium for the first nuclear weapons, ORNL has since evolved into one of the world’s leading research institutions. It is renowned for its work in fields such as nuclear energy, materials science, supercomputing, national security and clean energy technologies.
ORNL has been a critical asset to huge discoveries made within the research and development space, such as creating the world’s first continuously operating nuclear reactor and hosting the world’s fastest supercomputer.
A few recent examples include harnessing the power of artificial intelligence to better match cancer patients with clinical trials, collaborating with Google to demonstrate the power of quantum computing and restoring the nation’s ability to produce plutonium-238 for deep space missions.
Photo: ORNL
Orano USA Paves the Path Forward
In keeping with tradition, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee and TNECD Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter recently announced that Orano USA has selected Oak Ridge as the preferred site for a new multi-billion-dollar centrifuge uranium enrichment facility. This state-of-the-art facility will create more than 300 new jobs in Roane County and play a critical role in fueling the growth of nuclear in the U.S.
Recruiting Orano to the state is a testament to Tennessee’s ongoing commitment to being a leader in energy innovation. This is the fourth project and second company to receive funding from Tennessee’s Nuclear Energy Fund, which assists nuclear energy-related businesses choosing to relocate or grow in the Volunteer State and supports the state’s universities and research institutions in further developing their nuclear education programs.
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee has been instrumental in supporting the state’s nuclear ecosystem. The $50 million Nuclear Energy Fund was recommended by Gov. Lee in the 2023-2024 budget and approved by the Tennessee General Assembly. An additional $10 million was allocated and approved in the state’s budget during the 2024 legislative session. The projects that receive funding are vetted and recommended by the Education and Workforce subgroup, part of the 22-member Tennessee Nuclear Energy Advisory Council.
Orano’s decision to choose Oak Ridge highlights the city’s legacy in nuclear science and the strategic advantages Tennessee offers to businesses in this sector. It also aligns with the state’s goal of creating high-quality job opportunities for Tennesseans.
With assets like ORNL and the city’s rich history in the nuclear industry, the new Orano USA facility is primed for success and will further solidify Tennessee’s position as a leader in safe, clean and reliable energy for the future.
