Roane Co, TN (WOKI / WVLT) – Roane County and Oak Ridge leaders say East Tennessee’s growing nuclear energy sector is driving unprecedented economic growth, attracting billions of dollars in investment and thousands of new jobs.
Local economic development officials are actively recruiting companies involved in every phase of the nuclear supply chain, from fuel enrichment and processing to recycling and advanced fuel development, while also working to ensure those companies remain in the region for decades to come.
According to Roane County Executive Wade Creswell, the county has added more than 4,000 jobs and approximately $10 billion in capital investment over the past three years.
“This is the place where they need to be, where they almost have to be,” Creswell said.
Supporting Businesses from Arrival to Expansion
The Oak Ridge Corridor Development Corporation serves as a key partner for businesses considering a move to the region.
President Mike Magill said the organization works as a central point of contact for companies seeking information about available sites, infrastructure and workforce resources.
“I think it’s all of that because the companies have to have a point of contact of what’s available and what are the opportunities here,” Magill said.
The organization continues working with companies long after they establish operations in East Tennessee, assisting with zoning issues, workforce development, infrastructure planning and expansion opportunities.
“If they’re not successful, then the community’s not successful,” Magill said.
Full Nuclear Supply Chain Expanding in East Tennessee
Magill said one of the region’s strengths is the diversity of its nuclear industry presence.
“We don’t have just one,” Magill said. “We’ve got people that are in enrichment, fuel development, recycling, fuel processing. We’ve got a broad range of things that are taking place here.”
Economic development leaders say the area’s unique concentration of nuclear expertise has created momentum that continues attracting new businesses.
Among the largest projects is TRISO-X, which is expanding at Oak Ridge’s Horizon Center. Creswell said the company’s second phase is expected to add roughly 1,100 jobs, bringing total employment to about 1,500 positions and generating hundreds of millions of dollars in investment.
Building on an 80-Year Nuclear Legacy
Officials say the region’s greatest advantage is its deep history in nuclear science and technology.
Oak Ridge’s connection to nuclear research dates back more than 80 years to the Manhattan Project and the development of facilities including Y-12, K-25 and Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
Leaders say that legacy has transformed into one of the area’s most valuable economic assets.
“That really is our golden ticket that is helping us overcome a lot of our challenges that other communities throughout the country can’t overcome,” Creswell said.
Magill said the same expertise that helped shape the nation’s nuclear industry decades ago is now driving a new generation of energy development.
“So, you think about what Oak Ridge did 80-plus years ago. We did something real difficult,” Magill said. “And we’re stepping up and we’re doing it again.”
Challenges Accompany Growth
While leaders welcome the economic expansion, they say significant challenges remain.
Workforce development, housing availability and critical infrastructure improvements are among the top concerns as the region continues to grow.
Magill said future development will require upgrades to electric substations, water and sewer systems and transportation infrastructure. The Corridor Development Corporation is also working with the Department of Energy to transfer additional federal property into commercial use.
Creswell said meeting future needs will require collaboration among Roane County, Anderson County, Oak Ridge and surrounding communities.
“It’s a challenge that will be ongoing every day for the rest of our careers,” Creswell said. “But it is great for our area, and it’s what our country needs.”
Regional Cooperation Driving Success
Both Creswell and Magill credited strong cooperation among local, state and federal leaders for the region’s success.
Creswell pointed to support from Tennessee’s congressional delegation, Governor Bill Lee’s administration and state economic development officials as key factors in attracting major energy projects.
As nuclear energy continues its national resurgence, East Tennessee leaders believe Oak Ridge and Roane County are positioned to remain at the center of the industry’s growth for years to come.
