On 28 January this year, the Department of Energy (DOE) issued a Request for Information inviting states to express interest in hosting Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campuses. The proposed campuses could support activities across the full nuclear fuel lifecycle, including fuel fabrication, enrichment, reprocessing used nuclear fuel, and disposition of waste. Depending on state priorities and regional capabilities, the sites could also host advanced reactor deployment, power generation, advanced manufacturing, and co-located data centres.
At the time of issuing the Request for Information, DOE said: "This action marks the first step towards potentially establishing voluntary Federal-State partnerships designed to advance regional economic growth, enhance national energy security, and build a coherent, end-to-end nuclear energy strategy for the country." DOE said it envisions these campuses would be deployed quickly, "with initial facilities online in the 2027 timeframe". The deadline for responses was 1 April.
DOE has now announced that it has signed memorandums of understanding with Utah, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Idaho to begin exploring how to officially become host sites for Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campuses.
"I'm pleased to announce that after reviewing 28 applications from 26 states, the Energy Department has selected five initial contenders to further explore building Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campuses," said Secretary of Energy Chris Wright. "These campuses will be massive generators of economic growth, create thousands of high-paying jobs, and be crucial to unleashing America's nuclear renaissance. The innovative concept is a direct result of President Trump's leadership and ambitious directives to restore the domestic nuclear fuel cycle and get America's nuclear industry growing again."
According to DOE, the proposed innovation campuses "have the potential to attract up to USD50 billion in capital investment, generate as much as US10 billion in state and local tax revenue, and create nearly 25,000 jobs with an establishment of a campus".
It added: "States that choose to pursue hosting an innovation campus will sign hosting agreements with the Department at a later date."
Responses from the governors
Utah Governor Spencer Cox said: "Utah welcomes the chance to help America reclaim its leadership in civil nuclear energy. We're building the advanced technologies that will drive affordable, abundant power across our country. Through Operation Gigawatt, Utah is developing the entire nuclear lifecycle, from fuel production to advanced reactor deployment - strengthening our national security while helping secure America's energy independence. This campus will accelerate that work."
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee said: "As the global epicentre of nuclear energy, Tennessee is honoured to be selected as a potential host for a Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus. As our state answered the call during the Manhattan Project and helped shape the course of history, Tennessee stands ready once again to advance the safe, reliable energy solutions our nation depends on. I thank President Trump and Secretary Wright for their leadership as we strengthen America's energy dominance and create new opportunities for Tennesseans."
Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt said: "Oklahoma has always been the leader in energy production and innovation, from the oil boom of the early 1900s to the shale revolution in mid-2000s. Today marks a new frontier - the chance to add nuclear to our energy abundance agenda. This opportunity is an all hands on deck moment, and I look forward to working with communities across our state to make this campus a reality. I'm grateful to President Trump and Secretary Wright for their leadership and considering Oklahoma, and for the companies, research institutions, and leaders across our state who have already pulled a seat up to the table to be a part of this project."
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry said: "Louisiana shares the President's vision for nuclear power and America's energy future. We appreciate Secretary Wright's leadership and the opportunity provided by the Department of Energy to further America's energy dominance. Our state has a long and proud history of energy innovation, and we are ready to lead the next era of nuclear energy."
Idaho Governor Brad Little said: "Idaho is honoured to have been selected as one of five initial contenders to further explore the development of Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campuses. For more than 70 years, Idaho has been at the forefront of nuclear innovation, and we are grateful to President Trump, Secretary Wright, and the US Department of Energy for recognising our unmatched expertise and legacy. We look forward to working with DOE to continue advancing every stage of the nuclear lifecycle, strengthening our nation's energy security, creating good-paying jobs, and ensuring Idaho remains the home of America's nuclear renaissance."
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