ORNL, U.S. Dept. of Energy

ENERGY SYSTEMS

Site Selection Solutions for Energy Sector Success

Our growing seven-state region is home to an expanding energy technology sector that includes advanced nuclear technologies, energy component parts, energy storage systems, and more. State-level support for advanced technology in the energy systems sector, plus access to research and development capability, make our region the place to be.

Southeast Nuclear Hub

Our region, and our knowledgeable workforce, is internationally recognized in the nuclear field. That’s why we’re actively recruiting the energy systems sector. It’s working, too: In 2023, GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy, TVA, Ontario Power Generation, and Synthos Green Energy announced that they’re teaming up to advance the global deployment of the first grid-scale small modular reactor (SMR) approved in the U.S. In the past 5 years, the nuclear ecosystem has grown significantly in the Valley, with companies like announcements including: Orano, BWX Technologies, Triso X, Kairos Power and Centrus Energy.

ORNL, U.S. Dept. of Energy

Good for our Communities. Good for Clean Investments.

Universities and research centers throughout the region including the University of Tennessee, Vanderbilt University, Western Kentucky University, Mississippi State University, and Oak Ridge National Laboratories offer degrees and advanced programs in energy-related areas.

Over $150M

Invested in the region for clean technology and clean energy.

5

Home to five Research 1 universities & four world-class R&D facilities.

230+

Universities, technical schools and community colleges.

Home to Leaders in Clean Technology

Thanks to renowned research institutions like the Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the Center for Bioenergy Innovation, our region is recognized as a global leader in the field. Some of the companies that are already headquartered here include:

  • BWX Technologies
  • Centrus Energy
  • First Solar
  • Kairos Power
  • LIS Technologies
  • Oklo
  • Orano
  • One Scientific
  • Radiant Nuclear
  • Triso X
  • Qcells
  • Type One Energy

Supplying the Energy Systems Industry

Oak Ridge Nat Lab

ORNL, U.S. Dept. of Energy

Our People Are Our Most Valuable Resource

Between 2018 and 2023, our region’s five year population growth rate was approximately 1.7x higher than the country’s average growth rate, helping ensure an educated and motivated workforce for the clean tech industry.

Do Business With Us

Thanks to state-level support, our region is leading the way in nuclear energy innovation and investment. Many companies in the clean technology industry have already made our region their home. Here are just a few of the reasons why:

99.999% Reliability

TVA offers low-cost, highly reliable power to its customers.

Diverse Power Generation

Nearly 60% of the region’s power comes from carbon-free sources.

Competitive Electricity Rates

Our region’s industrial electric rates are among the lowest compared to peer utilities.

ORNL, U.S. Dept. of Energy

Accelerating Manufacturing Innovation

The Tennessee Valley region is home to one of the most effective laboratory consortium models in the U.S. The Manufacturing Demonstration Facility at Oak Ridge National Lab enables companies of all sizes to leverage the Lab’s expertise and capabilities, by fast-tracking user agreements and helping co-develop energy efficient, cost-saving technologies.

Meryl Harris
Clean Technologies Specialist

Our specialists speak your industry’s language, and we’re here to guide you through your entire site selection process.

For more information about available properties, demographics, infrastructure, communities, and our skilled workforce, use our interactive GIS mapping tool or contact your target market specialist.

[email protected]

Search For Your Venture’s Next Home

Explore nearly 1,000 properties and buildings virtually using our interactive mapping tool. Filter by property type, size, location and more.

  • I applaud the leadership shown by OPG, TVA and SGE in working together to advance the common design of the BWRX-300 [small nuclear reactor]. This unprecedented collaboration, which spans three countries, will offer benefits to each of the team members and demonstrates confidence in the role that our SMR technology will play in helping nations meet decarbonization and energy security goals.

    -Jay Wileman, GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy President and CEO

  • Tennessee is ready-made to lead America’s energy independence and drive continued economic growth with safe, clean and reliable nuclear energy for the future.

    -Bill Lee, Tennessee Governor

  • Economic development means respecting the groundwork of others that came before you that paved the way for future success and knowing that when you are long gone, the work you did will hopefully impact others who may have never known you.

    -Meryl Harris, TVA Economic Development Target Market Specialist

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Virginia Transformer announces plans to establish operations in Muscle Shoals, Alabama.

Virginia Transformer, North America’s largest power transformer manufacturer, announced plans to establish operations in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. Plans for the project include creating 1,100 new jobs at the company’s state-of-the-art operations in Colbert County. Economic development partners include Muscle Shoals Electric Board, Shoals EDA, Alabama Department of Commerce, Norfolk Southern, City of Muscle Shoals, Colbert County and…