Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter and Radiant officials announced the company has selected Tennessee for a $280 million investment that will expand the company’s nuclear manufacturing and research and development (R&D) to Oak Ridge, Tennessee.
Through the project, Radiant will create 175 new jobs in Roane County that will directly support the development and mass production of Radiant’s Kaleidos. Upon completion of the facility, this machine will be the world’s first one-megawatt portable nuclear generator capable of generating power in remote areas and providing resilient power options for military bases or disaster-relief scenarios.
Radiant is the sixth company to locate in Tennessee utilizing the Nuclear Energy Fund.
The $50 million fund was in Gov. Lee’s recommended 2023-2024 budget and approved by the Tennessee General Assembly. An additional $10 million was allocated and approved in the state’s budget during both the 2024 and 2025 legislative sessions, bringing the fund’s total to $70 million since its inception.
“Tennessee is quickly emerging as the national leader in clean, reliable energy production. That’s why innovative companies like Radiant are choosing our state for cutting-edge manufacturing and R&D. I’m proud to welcome Radiant to the Tennessee family and look forward to the vital role this company will play on the global stage, producing what will become the world’s first nuclear microreactor from right here in Oak Ridge.” – Gov. Bill Lee
“Radiant’s $280 million investment and creation of 175 high-quality new jobs is a critical win for our state’s growing nuclear ecosystem. This investment marks the second nuclear project we've announced in September alone, reinforcing the state’s position at the forefront of next-generation energy innovation. We thank Radiant for its commitment to Tennessee and look forward to seeing the lasting impact this project will bring to our state and all Tennesseans.” – TNECD Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter
“We choose Oak Ridge, Tennessee, because of their strong workforce, the community’s rich nuclear heritage and the public’s second-to-none nuclear IQ. Just as importantly, the state’s business-friendly environment gave us the immediate regulatory certainty we needed to move fast and be up and running to meet growing customer demand for our Kaleidos nuclear generators. We’re excited to start building in just a few months.” – Tori Shivanandan, Chief Operating Officer, Radiant
“TVA’s nuclear leadership is a powerful asset in helping attract nuclear innovators to Tennessee, America’s advanced nuclear technologies hub. Radiant will strengthen our region’s role in shaping America’s energy future where innovation drives job creation, attracts investment and fuels long-term prosperity for our communities.” – Don Moul, president and CEO, TVA
“I’m excited to welcome Radiant to Roane County – the most nuclear-friendly community in the country. Their mission and purpose align perfectly with our community’s history, acceptance, and experienced workforce in nuclear energy. Radiant will serve as a key player within the nuclear ecosystem being developed within the Oak Ridge Corridor. We are proud to welcome you home.” – Roane County Executive Wade Creswell
“The City of Oak Ridge welcomes Radiant Industries, a leader in the microreactor industry. Radiant exemplifies the type of industry partner we aimed to attract when we established the Oak Ridge Corridor Development Corporation, focusing on bringing leading companies in the new nuclear sector to our city.” – Oak Ridge Mayor Warren Gooch
“Radiant’s decision to invest in Roane County is a tremendous win for our region," said Yager. "This investment will further solidify East Tennessee’s role as a national leader in nuclear innovation. I’m proud to support this project and look forward to the positive impact it will have on our local workforce and economy.” – Sen. Ken Yager (R-Kingston)