World’s First for Mass Production
OAK RIDGE, Tenn. (October 17, 2025) – Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter, and Radiant officials today announced that the company will invest $280 million to establish a new nuclear generator manufacturing and R&D facility in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.
The project marks a major milestone in global clean energy innovation, as Radiant will develop and mass-produce the world’s first one-megawatt portable nuclear generator, known as the Kaleidos. Once operational, the Oak Ridge facility will create 175 new jobs in Roane County, supporting Radiant’s mission to deliver resilient, portable power for military bases, remote communities, and disaster-relief operations.
Radiant becomes the sixth company to establish operations in Tennessee utilizing the state’s Nuclear Energy Fund, a forward-looking initiative designed to attract advanced nuclear technology investment. The fund — initially created with $50 million in Gov. Lee’s 2023–2024 budget — has since grown to $70 million with additional appropriations approved during the 2024 and 2025 legislative sessions.
“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,” said Gov. Bill Lee. “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.”
“Radiant’s $280 million investment and creation of 175 high-quality new jobs is a critical win for our state’s growing nuclear ecosystem,” said TNECD Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter. “This is the third nuclear project announced since September, further solidifying Tennessee’s leadership in next-generation energy innovation.”
“We chose Oak Ridge because of its strong workforce, deep nuclear expertise, and supportive business climate,” said Tori Shivanandan, Chief Operating Officer, Radiant. “The state’s business-friendly environment provided the regulatory clarity we needed to move quickly to meet growing demand for our Kaleidos generators. We’re excited to begin construction in the coming months.”
“TVA’s nuclear leadership continues to attract innovators like Radiant to Tennessee,” said Don Moul, President and CEO of the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). “Their presence strengthens our region’s position as a hub for advanced nuclear technologies that drive job creation, investment, and sustainable growth.”
Radiant’s new Oak Ridge facility reinforces Tennessee’s emergence as a national hub for nuclear innovation, joining a growing cluster of advanced energy companies capitalizing on the state’s skilled workforce, research infrastructure, and commitment to clean energy leadership.
About Radiant
Radiant is a next-generation nuclear technology company developing the Kaleidos — a portable, one-megawatt nuclear microreactor designed to provide reliable, carbon-free power for remote locations, military bases, and emergency response applications.
Photo Courtesy of Tennessee Department of Economic & Community Development
