# NRC Issues TVA Oak Ridge Construction Permit

On September 29, 2026, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission issued the Tennessee Valley Authority a construction permit for Clinch River Unit 1 in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. The project uses GE Vernova Hitachi’s BWRX-300 small modular reactor, making TVA the first U.S. utility authorized to construct this design. TVA has not announced a construction start date or project value and is continuing cost-sharing negotiations with industry partners, so financing and delivery arrangements remain central to the project’s procurement outlook.

- The permit clears a regulatory milestone but is not itself a construction contract award; the available signal identifies no solicitation, contract value, or construction schedule.
- Companies with relevant nuclear construction, equipment, engineering, and financing capabilities can assess how they might support the project through the industry-partner and cost-sharing discussions TVA says are ongoing.
- Procurement teams and prospective suppliers should distinguish the announced permit from any future procurement: the signal does not identify an open competition or specific contracting timeline.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Energy & Utilities, Construction & Infrastructure
**Topics:** Physical Infrastructure
**Published:** September 30, 2026

### Government Entities
- Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)
- U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC)

### Vendors
- GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy (BWRX-300 reactor technology provider)

### Key Quotes
> Our priority is ensuring the people of the Valley do not shoulder the costs of first-of-a-kind technology that benefits the nation and world.
> — Mike Skaggs, TVA Interim President & CEO

> The NRC’s strong engagement with the industry is essential to support America’s energy leadership and help build the foundation for the nation’s advanced nuclear future.
> — Matt Rasmussen, TVA Chief Nuclear Officer

### Sources
- [TVA First U.S. Utility to Receive Construction Permit for BWRX-300 Advanced Nuclear Reactor](https://www.tva.com/news-media/releases/tva-first-u.s.-utility-to-receive-construction-permit-for-bwrx-300-advanced-nuclear-reactor) - TVA