On June 9, Tennessee reported that it had become the first U.S. state to implement its own technology-neutral nuclear fusion regulations. Tennessee is authorized by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to license and inspect source and byproduct nuclear materials used or possessed within its borders. The new regulations (Chapter 0400-20-14) establish registration and licensing requirements for fusion machines, processes, and other related activities.
With more than 60 years of experience in the nuclear field, over 230 nuclear companies operating in the Oak Ridge area, and its involvement in the Manhattan Project, Tennessee has positioned itself as a leader in nuclear innovation.
Building on the state’s existing nuclear ecosystem, which spans the entire nuclear lifecycle, state officials including Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation Commissioner David Salyers say the new regulatory framework will strengthen Tennessee’s appeal to fusion developers. Type One Energy’s commercial site near Oak Ridge is expected to be among the first facilities licensed under the new framework.
