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TVA Seeks First U.S. Permit to Build Nation’s First Small Nuclear Reactor

Issue #446

May 23, 2025

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🌤️ Columbia’s Weather - Partly cloudy w/ high of 77 & low of 55

📰 TVA Seeks First U.S. Permit to Build Nation’s First Small Nuclear Reactor

🚧 Sinkhole Backs Up Traffic on Nashville Hwy for Hours

📌 TONIGHT: The Mulehouse Songwriter Series featuring Aaron Barker, Chris Wallin & Gary Chapman

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🎵 Today’s Live Music

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🗓 Know of Some Local Events Not Listed? Send us the Details!

TVA Seeks First U.S. Permit to Build Nation’s First Small Nuclear Reactor

For the first time in U.S. history, a utility company has formally requested a permit from federal regulators to build a small modular nuclear reactor. The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), the nation’s largest public power provider, submitted its construction permit application to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) this week. The proposed project would take place at TVA’s Clinch River site in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.

TVA’s initiative marks a major step toward developing next-generation nuclear energy, aiming to provide a model that other utilities might follow. As a federally owned utility serving seven states, TVA currently operates three large-scale nuclear plants that supply 40% of the Tennessee Valley’s electricity. With regional population growth, increased electrification in industry, and rising manufacturing demand, TVA anticipates needing up to 26 gigawatts of new power by 2035—enough to serve approximately 15 million homes.

In 2022, TVA launched a dedicated program to support the development of small modular reactors (SMRs), committing $350 million so far. SMRs are seen as a potential solution to increase power capacity while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Across the utility industry, however, nuclear construction has been approached with caution due to past cost overruns and delays, particularly with projects like Georgia Power’s Plant Vogtle. Despite this hesitation, TVA’s move could mark a turning point for the sector.

Currently, there are no commercial next-generation reactors operating in the U.S., though the NRC is reviewing multiple proposals aimed at bringing them online by the early 2030s. One early U.S. project was canceled in 2023 due to rising costs and lack of local utility support.

Meanwhile, Ontario Power Generation in Canada has begun construction on what will be the first of four small modular reactors using the same GE Hitachi design selected by TVA. The Canadian project estimates the initial reactor will cost $4.4 billion (USD), with costs expected to decrease for subsequent units. TVA has indicated its cost estimates are similar, but exact figures have not been disclosed. The utility is also exploring partnerships to offset upfront expenses.

Critics, including the Environmental Working Group, argue that SMRs are costly, slow to deploy, and less effective than renewables like solar and wind combined with battery storage. Despite this, both the Biden and Trump administrations have endorsed SMRs as a potential solution for high-demand, energy-intensive sectors.

Last year, the Biden administration announced $900 million in funding for small reactor development. TVA and its partners have applied for $800 million of that funding, which they claim could accelerate their project timeline by up to two years.

The NRC has already deemed the Clinch River site suitable for a nuclear facility, and the site could potentially host up to four SMRs. If TVA receives the necessary approvals, the first reactor could begin operations as early as 2032, generating 300 megawatts—enough electricity for approximately 175,000 homes.

Sinkhole Backs Up Traffic on Nashville Hwy for Hours

A sinkhole closed lanes of traffic on Nashville Hwy Northbound in Neapolis (between Greensmill Rd and Spring Hill High School). Both northbound lanes were closed, with one lane of traffic moving slowly on the shoulder. TDOT worked on digging out the area, filling it in, and repaving well into the night. Early this morning all lanes were reported to be open. 

TONIGHT: The Mulehouse Songwriter Series

Welcome to our monthly show featuring Nashville's most talented songwriters from all ages and tenure in the business. Relax, sit back in our intimate setting and hear the stories behind these songs. These will be evenings of music you DON'T want to miss!

Y'all can purchase tables for up to four, as well as individual seats at our eight-top tables!

The front-of-stage velvet couch is also up for grabs for those who like to be right up front, family room style!

ABOUT THE SONGWRITERS:

AARON BARKER has written No. 1 songs for George Strait "Baby Blue", "Love Without End Amen", "Easy Come, Easy Go", and Lonestar "What About Now." His songs have also been recorded by Doug Supernaw, Clay Walker, and Neal McCoy and others. He was inducted into the Texas Heritage Songwriters' Hall of Fame in 2007.

CHRIS WALLIN co-wrote “Don’t Blink” (Kenny Chesney), “I’m Tryin" (Trace Adkins), “Love Me If You Can” (Toby Keith), “People Loving People” (Garth Brooks), “Something to Be Proud Of,” and “Speed” (Montgomery Gentry), as well as songs recorded by Diamond Rio, Craig Morgan, Joe Nichols, and Brad Paisley.

GARY CHAPMAN - Gary is an American contemporary Christian music singer-songwriter and former television talk show host. He has won seven Dove awards and five Grammy nominations as an artist! He also hosted TNN's flagship show and the Sam's Place series at the historic Ryman Auditorium.

Gary Chapman, along with Amy Grant , wrote the iconic "Tennessee Christmas" song we all know and love!

Upcoming Local Events

🗓 Have an event to add? Send us the Details!

Friday, May 23rd

Saturday, May 24th

Sunday, May 25th

Monday, May 26th 🇺🇸 Memorial Day 🇺🇸

📌 Mark Your Calendars…

May 29 - 31: Music City Rodeo
June 5-8: CMA Fest
June 7-8: Nashville Comicon
June 7-8: Great Tennessee Air Show

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Friday, May 23rd

Music in May, The Awaken House, 5:00-8:00 PM
Shannon McCue & Friends, The Spot Burgers & Beers, 5:00 - 8:00 PM
Lydia Rae, Buck & Board, 6:00 - 9:00 PM
Aaron Barker, Chris Wallin & Gary Chapman, The Mulehouse, 7:30 PM
New Binge Music, Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8:00-11:00 PM

Saturday, May 24th

Ben Daniels, Keg Springs, 2:00 - 5:00 PM
Carson Phillips, Amber Falls Winery, 3:00 - 8:00 PM
Rett Stocstill, Buck & Board, 5:00 - 8:00 PM
The Def Leprechaun Band, McCreary’s Irish Pun 7:00 - 9:00 PM
The Deltaz, Puckett’s, 7:30 - 9:00 PM
The Petty Junkies, The Mulehouse, 8:00 PM
Grace West Band, Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8:00 - 11:00 PM
Power Play, The Boondox, 8:00 - 11:00 PM

Sunday, May 25th

Braise Killen, Amber Falls Winery, 1:00-5:00 PM
Brandon Bartley, Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 4:00-7:00 PM
Jay Hoppus, Puckett’s, 6:00-7:30 PM

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