OAK RIDGE, Tenn. – Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, Deputy Gov. and Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter and Kyoto Fusioneering (KF) officials announced today the company will move its U.S. headquarters to Oak Ridge, Tennessee.
KF will create 51 new jobs and invest $46.9 million in Anderson County as part of the project, which will include buildout of critical fusion testing infrastructure designed to drive down fusion technology risk. This investment centers on developing UNITY-3, a first-of-its-kind fusion nuclear test facility to be built at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) through a public-private partnership announced earlier this year.
Supported by the U.S. Department of Energy and named a national priority in its finalized Fusion Science & Technology (FS&T) Roadmap, UNITY-3 will use a deuterium-tritium (D-T) fusion neutron source to validate tritium breeding and performance under realistic fusion-nuclear conditions. Delivering data that no other facility in the world can currently provide, UNITY-3 will help the entire industry design commercial fusion power plants.
KF is the premier global developer of fusion infrastructure, technology and integrated systems. Originating in Japan in 2019, today, the company anchors the fusion supply chain for top-tier private and public fusion development programs around the world, and operates across Asia, Europe and North America.
Japan is Tennessee’s top partner for foreign direct investment (FDI) with more than 200 Japanese companies across the state that account for more than 48,000 jobs and close to $21 billion in capital investment.
QUOTES
“Today’s announcement from KF further cements Tennessee’s leadership in delivering the next generation of safe, reliable energy. By partnering with ORNL and locating in Oak Ridge, the company is poised to accelerate its growth and innovation while strengthening our state’s nuclear energy ecosystem. This collaboration will create new opportunities for Tennesseans to step into cutting-edge roles and help shape the future of advanced energy.” – Gov. Bill Lee
“This project brings together two of our top priorities: nuclear innovation and foreign direct investment. By combining Tennessee’s leadership in advanced energy with Japan’s longstanding support, we’re creating new opportunity and momentum for growth, and we are proud to welcome KF as the next chapter in this collaboration. Additionally, I would like to thank our partners from ORNL, Anderson County and the City of Oak Ridge, as without their continued support, projects like we are announcing today would not be possible.” – Deputy Gov. and TNECD Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter
“Relocating our U.S. headquarters to Oak Ridge was a strategic decision driven by our partnership with ORNL and the region’s rich nuclear innovation ecosystem. By anchoring our operations here, we are doing more than expanding KF—we are building the critical, commercial-scale testing infrastructure and robust supply chains that the entire fusion industry needs to scale. We are incredibly grateful for the welcoming business climate fostered by TNECD and the State of Tennessee, whose support makes this landmark investment possible.” – Bibake Uppal, president, Kyoto Fusioneering America
“TVA is honored to support a project that will create high‑quality jobs and drive groundbreaking research across the Tennessee Valley. KF’s transformational investment in Oak Ridge further supports the Valley’s leadership in scientific and energy innovation and reflects the strength of partnerships as we work together to unleash American energy.” – Heidi Smith, vice president of economic development, TVA
“Anderson County has long been at the forefront of energy innovation, and KF’s decision to invest here continues that legacy. This $46.9 million investment and the creation of 51 high-quality jobs will strengthen our local economy and reinforce East Tennessee’s leadership in advanced energy technologies. I’m proud to welcome KF to our community and look forward to the opportunities this project will bring to Anderson County and the region.” – Sen. Ken Yager (R-Kingston)
About Kyoto Fusioneering
Kyoto Fusioneering is the world’s premier fusion technology and integrated systems developer. It delivers essential plasma heating, breeding blanket, power generation and tritium fuel cycle systems to advanced fusion programs worldwide. KF operates globally across Japan, U.S., U.K., Europe and a joint venture in Canada. Visit us at kyotofusioneering.com. Join the conversation on X, LinkedIn and YouTube.
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 Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook and YouTube.
Media Contacts
Kyoto Fusioneering
Megumi Yogo
Head of Public Relations
media@kyotofusioneering.com
TNECD
Chris O’Brien
Public Information Officer
(615) 934-5879
Chris.OBrien@tn.gov