Nuclear 101 Highlights Tennessee’s Growing Opportunity for Economic Developers

UT CIS recently hosted Nuclear 101 for Economic Developers in Oak Ridge, in partnership with the Tennessee Department of Economic & Community Development (TNECD). This elective course, part of the Tennessee Certified Economic Developer (TCED) Program curriculum, provided participants with a practical introduction to one of Tennessee’s fastest-growing industries.

The course brought together economic and workforce development professionals from across the state to better understand how nuclear energy is shaping Tennessee’s economic future and what it takes for communities to be ready.

Tennessee’s position in the nuclear industry is supported by strong investment and infrastructure, including more than $8 billion in private commitments and over 2,500 new jobs. Continued support through the Nuclear Energy Fund is further strengthening the state’s role as a national hub for nuclear innovation and development.

Throughout the course, speakers highlighted the renewed momentum behind nuclear energy. Rising energy demand, national security priorities, and global supply chain challenges are increasing the need for domestic nuclear capabilities. Tennessee stands out due to its established ecosystem, reliable energy infrastructure, and strong public support.

A major focus of the course was community readiness. Key factors include access to nuclear-ready skilled labor, infrastructure, regulatory alignment, and overall site preparedness. Workforce development plays a critical role, with ongoing efforts across universities, community colleges, and industry partnerships helping to build a strong and sustainable talent pipeline.

Another important takeaway was that participation in the nuclear industry is not limited to reactor sites. Opportunities exist across the supply chain, including engineering, construction, manufacturing, logistics, and operations. This allows communities to get involved through practical, incremental steps.

Participants were taught actionable strategies for economic developers, such as identifying available sites, mapping local manufacturing capabilities, building relationships with industry partners, and addressing workforce gaps.

As nuclear energy continues to expand, economic developers will play a key role in preparing their communities to support and benefit from this growth across Tennessee.

Nuclear 101 for Economic Developers will be offered again on September 23–24; visit our website for more information and to register.