Tennessee, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Idaho were announced as initial contenders for the Department of Energy’s Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campuses on July 28. The proposed campuses are intended to support activities across the full nuclear fuel lifecycle, including fuel fabrication, enrichment, reprocessing used nuclear fuel, and final disposition.
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee said, “As the global epicenter of nuclear energy, Tennessee is honored to be selected as a potential host for a Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus. As our state answered the call during the Manhattan Project and helped shape the course of history, Tennessee stands ready once again to advance the safe, reliable energy solutions our nation depends on. I thank President Trump and Secretary Wright for their leadership as we strengthen America’s energy dominance and create new opportunities for Tennesseans.”
Oklahoma Governor J. Kevin Stitt said, “Oklahoma has always been the leader in energy production and innovation, from the oil boom of the early 1900s to the shale revolution in mid-2000s. Today marks a new frontier—the chance to add nuclear to our energy abundance agenda. This opportunity is an all hands on deck moment, and I look forward to working with communities across our state to make this campus a reality. I’m grateful to President Trump and Secretary Wright for their leadership and considering Oklahoma, and for the companies, research institutions, and leaders across our state who have already pulled a seat up to the table to be a part of this project.”
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry said that Louisiana shares “the President’s vision for nuclear power and America’s energy future,” while Idaho Governor Brad Little said that Idaho is “honored to have been selected as one of five initial contenders,” noting its more than 70 years at “the forefront of nuclear innovation.” The proposed campuses could attract up to $50 billion in capital investment, generate up to $10 billion in tax revenue at state or local levels, and create nearly 25,000 jobs with each campus establishment.
Earlier this year, states were invited by DOE to submit statements outlining how hosting an innovation campus would advance goals such as workforce development or economic diversification; responses were due by April 1. States choosing to pursue hosting will sign agreements with DOE at a later date.
The Department of Energy has also recently launched several initiatives related to clean energy transitions including funding programs under President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law aimed at building resilient codes implementation with $225 million available, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Additionally, national laboratory involvement has been highlighted in environmental management missions before Congress.