Nuclear 101 for Economic Developers: Tennessee's Next Big Opportunity

Nuclear energy is a top priority and Tennessee is uniquely positioned to lead. This TCED elective course, offered in partnership with the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD), provides a clear, accessible introduction to the industry — including its history, modern applications, statewide opportunities and ways your community can be a part of the ecosystem.

Learn directly from industry leaders, join candid conversations, bust a few myths and experience nuclear energy up close during a field trip. You’ll leave with a strong understanding of how nuclear energy can shape Tennessee’s economic future — and how your community can be ready.

Date and Location:

March 18 – 19, 2026

UT Outreach Center | 1201 Oak Ridge Turnpike, Suite 100, Oak Ridge, TN 37930 (Towneplace Suites by Marriott Oak Ridge - See booking link under hotel accommodations below)

Course Agenda:

Agenda Coming Soon!

Course Fee:

Registration $445 | Early Registration $395 (by: February 23, 2026)

The registration fee covers course instruction. Course materials, selected meals, and refreshment breaks are complimentary. Registration does not cover hotel and other travel expenses. Registration is limited to 30 participants and is filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please remit payment for the course no later than 10 business days prior to the course start date. If payment is not received, you risk having your registration cancelled to make room for those on the waitlist.

Course Times:

Onsite check-in: 9:30 AM
Day 1: 10:00 AM - 5:15 PM
Day 2: 8:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Meals provided: Day 1 - Lunch; Day 2 - Breakfast

How to Register:

If you need assistance accessing your account, please contact us at 615-253-6371 or email us here. You may also register by submitting a Course Registration Form by email.

Cancellation and Refund Policy:

Cancellations made 10 business days or more before the course start date will be eligible for a full refund or credit toward a future TCED course. Cancellations made less than 10 business days will be eligible for credit only, minus a $100 cancellation fee.

Hotel Accommodations:

TownePlace Suites by Marriott Oak Ridge | 300 S. Rutgers Avenue, Oak Ridge, TN 37830 - A limited number of rooms have been reserved at a discounted rate of $110. Make your reservations by February 27, 2026 to receive the group rate. Click here to reserve your room. Please book early as the block could fill up!

This link and rate code are only available for class attendees. If this link and special rate are used by someone outside of the class, the reservation will be cancelled and a fee will be applied to the credit card used to book the reservation.

Scholarships:

A limited number of scholarships are available to course participants from Tennessee. Applications for scholarships can be downloaded here Scholarship Application.

Scholarships cover $295 of the $395 early registration course fee, and do not include hotel, travel or meals. Scholarship recipients will be required to pay $100 of the tuition cost, which will not be refundable should the participant withdraw from the course. Applications must be received by February 17, 2026 to be considered for a scholarship.

Dress Code:

The attire for the course is business casual.

Other TCED Economic Development Courses:

View other TCED economic development courses

This course is brought to you in partnership with: