Roane County is set to become a major hub for next-generation clean energy. State officials announced Tuesday that TRISO-X, an Oak Ridge-based nuclear energy pioneer, is launching a massive expansion at the Horizon Center Industrial Park.

The project—which includes a state-of-the-art nuclear fuel manufacturing facility and a cutting-edge research and development center—is projected to bring 1,140 new jobs to the region and draw hundreds of millions of dollars in private investment.

Powering the Future of Nuclear Energy

The new facility will focus on producing High-Assay Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU) fuel. This specialized fuel is crucial for powering the next generation of advanced, small modular nuclear reactors.

The expansion comes on the heels of a historic milestone: the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) recently greenlit TRISO-X to construct and operate what will be the nation’s very first commercial-scale HALEU fuel production facility.

Key Highlights of the Expansion:

• Job Creation: 1,140 high-quality jobs across Roane and Anderson counties.

• The Location: Horizon Center Industrial Park in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.

• State Backing: TRISO-X (a subsidiary of X-energy) is the ninth company to secure backing from Tennessee’s $95 million Nuclear Energy Fund, a state initiative designed to cement Tennessee as a leader in nuclear innovation.

Leadership Reacts to the Landmark Deal

State and local leaders are rallying behind the project, viewing it as a massive win for both the local economy and the future of global energy.

“This expansion reinforces Oak Ridge’s role as a leader in advanced energy innovation.” — Governor Bill Lee

TRISO-X President Joel Duling called the announcement “an important step in building a world-class nuclear fuel campus capable of powering next-generation nuclear.”

Meanwhile, local officials, including Roane County Executive Wade Creswell and State Senator Ken Yager, noted that the economic ripple effects will bring high-quality employment and robust growth to the entire regional workforce.

While the project represents a massive leap forward for the U.S. energy grid, TRISO-X has not yet released specific construction timelines or the final scope of the build.