During a visit to East Tennessee in May of 2024 to scout potential homes for a new facility, officials from Orano stopped by the University of Tennessee campus to speak with administrators.
The France-based company that specializes in nuclear power and renewable energy was deciding where to build a multibillion-dollar centrifuge uranium enrichment facility. Orano USA CEO and President Jean-Luc Palayer mentioned that having a partnership with a strong academic institution would be key to the selection criteria.
Adding another layer to this region’s rich nuclear footprint, Orano chose a site in Oak Ridge, Tennessee to build the 750,000-square-foot facility. The company unveiled the project in September of 2024 in front of a crowd that included several members of the Tickle College of Engineering faculty.
During the announcement, state officials said the project is the single largest private investment in Tennessee history. Construction is expected to take place over the next few years, and the project is expected to bring 300 jobs to the area.
Orano specializes in uranium mining/conversion/enrichment, used nuclear fuel management and recycling, decommissioning shutdown nuclear energy facilities, federal site cleanup and closure, and developing nuclear medicines to fight cancer.
“This is extremely exciting for our students,” said Nuclear Engineering Department Head Brian Wirth. “We’re really anticipating tremendous opportunities for undergraduate and probably master’s level graduate internships, job possibilities and strong engagement across campus.”
Nuclear Powerhouse
The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) said Orano is the second company coming to Tennessee using the Nuclear Energy Fund, which assists nuclear-energy related businesses choosing to relocate or grow in the state and supports the state’s universities and research institutions in further developing their nuclear education programs. The fund was proposed by Gov. Bill Lee and approved by the Tennessee General Assembly in the 2023-2024 budget. An additional $10 million was approved during the 2024 legislative session.
Lee explained that the fund has been highly successful in recruiting nuclear energy projects, further strengthening Tennessee’s status as “the No. 1 state for nuclear energy companies to invest and thrive,” said Lee. Oak Ridge and Knoxville combined are home to 154 nuclear companies and Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).
Educational Collaborations
While speaking at the announcement, Palayer noted how the proximity to UT played a role in deciding where Orano would build the facility.
“The education program that this region has is remarkable,” Palayer said. “I have never seen something like this in other areas of the country.”
Wirth anticipates the relationship between Oranos and UT will provide mutually beneficial opportunities over the next few decades, giving NE students another avenue to fulfill their educational and career goals.
“Oranos is very excited about moving here, and about the collaboration and partnership with UT,” Wirth said. “They are going to have a strong presence on campus soon and come meet with students and talk about what they’re going to do as they prepare to build the facility.”
Contact
Rhiannon Potkey (865-974-0683, rpotkey@utk.edu)