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The Tennessee Valley Authority has asked federal regulators to okay its plans to build an advanced nuclear reactor, in the first such request by a utility (E&E News, subscription).

What’s going on: “Although the Clinch River small modular reactor (SMR) project in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, is still officially exploratory, TVA’s Nuclear Regulatory Commission permit application pushes it closer to reality.”

The background: SMRs can be assembled in a factory and are often regarded as a step forward for nuclear power—with advanced safety features, reduced costs due to mass production and greater flexibility in where they can be located.  

• “Silicon Valley is investing in the technology due to its low emissions and potential to power rapidly growing data centers, while lawmakers hope it will provide the 24/7 reliability of nuclear power with a lower price tag.”

The reactor: “The project would use a GE Hitachi BWRX-300 reactor, one of which is starting construction in Canada, with TVA employees at the site to observe the process. Unlike many competitors, GE Hitachi’s reactors don’t rely on special advanced reactor fuel and follow the same light water reactor model already used in larger reactors worldwide.”

Next steps: Though the TVA has undergone some big changes in leadership, and now lacks a quorum on its board, it says it has the “authorization and funds” to proceed with the Clinch River project for the time being.