Company plans major investment in Oak Ridge to strengthen America’s advanced nuclear fuel supply chain
OAK RIDGE, Tenn. (July 20, 2026) — TRISO-X will invest hundreds of millions of dollars to expand its operations in East Tennessee, creating 1,140 new jobs through the construction of a new advanced nuclear fuel manufacturing facility and research and development center at the Horizon Center Industrial Park in Roane County.
The expansion follows the company’s historic achievement as the first organization licensed by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to construct and operate a commercial-scale High-Assay Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU) fuel production facility in the United States. The project is expected to accelerate commercialization of advanced nuclear technologies while strengthening the nation’s domestic nuclear fuel supply chain.
Founded in Oak Ridge and operating as a wholly owned subsidiary of X-energy, TRISO-X previously broke ground in 2022 on North America’s first commercial advanced nuclear fuel facility. The latest expansion further reinforces Oak Ridge’s role as one of the nation’s premier centers for nuclear innovation.
Project Highlights
- Company: TRISO-X (subsidiary of X-energy)
- Location: Oak Ridge, Roane County, Tennessee
- New Jobs: 1,140
- Investment: Hundreds of millions of dollars (anticipated)
- Facility: Advanced nuclear fuel manufacturing facility and research & development center
- Site: Horizon Center Industrial Park (Select Tennessee Certified Site)
- Industry: Advanced nuclear energy and fuel technology
Strengthening America’s Nuclear Future
The new campus will support production of High-Assay Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU) fuel, a critical component needed to power the next generation of advanced small modular reactors (SMRs).
Company officials say the investment will help:
- Expand domestic nuclear fuel manufacturing capacity
- Accelerate deployment of advanced nuclear reactors
- Strengthen U.S. energy security
- Support commercialization of next-generation clean energy technologies
- Enhance America’s nuclear fuel supply chain
Tennessee Continues Building a National Nuclear Hub
The project represents another milestone in Tennessee’s long-term strategy to establish itself as the nation’s leader in advanced nuclear energy.
TRISO-X becomes the ninth company supported through Tennessee’s Nuclear Energy Fund, which has grown to $95 million since its creation. Initially funded with $50 million in the 2023-24 state budget, lawmakers approved additional funding during the 2024, 2025 and 2026 legislative sessions to continue attracting nuclear industry investment.
State leaders credit the initiative with helping build one of the country’s most comprehensive advanced nuclear ecosystems centered around Oak Ridge.
Leadership Perspectives
Gov. Bill Lee said the expansion reinforces Oak Ridge’s position as a national center for advanced energy research and innovation while creating more than 1,000 high-quality jobs for Tennesseans.
Deputy Gov. and TNECD Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter said Tennessee’s Nuclear Energy Fund continues to attract transformative investments that strengthen the state’s leadership in advanced nuclear technology and domestic energy independence.
Joel Duling, president of TRISO-X, called the project an important step toward building a world-class nuclear fuel campus capable of supporting next-generation nuclear power while continuing Oak Ridge’s historic legacy of nuclear innovation.
Regional leaders from the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), the City of Oak Ridge, Roane County and the Tennessee General Assembly also praised the announcement, citing the project’s significant economic impact, workforce opportunities and long-term benefits for East Tennessee’s growing nuclear industry.
About TRISO-X
TRISO-X is a wholly owned subsidiary of X-energy, a developer of advanced small modular nuclear reactors and proprietary fuel technology. The company is focused on producing advanced nuclear fuel designed to improve safety, efficiency and reliability while supporting the deployment of next-generation clean energy systems.
